Ames Historical Society

Description

• Preserve Ames history - The Society collects archival material and artifacts to document city government, schools, businesses, organizations, residents, transportation and events and celebrations throughout Ames history.
• Provide reference service - Questions come to us daily by email, correspondence, phone and walk-in traffic.
• Maintain a website - The "virtual" concept for sharing our collections is well illustrated by our website containing over 7,000 pages of content available 24/7/365 to anyone with connectivity.
• Operate a one-room school museum- Hoggatt School was the first schoolhouse in the vicinity. It was built in 1861-1862 to serve residents before the city of Ames was established. The acquisition, move and restoration of this school were the driving forces in the founding of the society
• Provide photos to the Ames Tribune - The weekly "From the Archives" photo series has been running since 2006.
• Loan exhibits - At various times staff members have created a variety of exhibits that can be loaned at no charge to Ames organizations.
• Present programs - Local organizations may request programs on a number of specific topics.
• Give tours - An historic walk through downtown Ames is conducted on demand throughout the year except during the winter season.
• Educate youth - Primary school childrencannot always make field trips to ourheadquarters, so staff takes selected objects and archival material to the classrooms.