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Supervisors move to oppose closure of State Historical Society facility in Iowa City and offer county support to salvage collections
Summary
Board members described plans to draft a letter opposing the State Historical Society of Iowa's proposed closure of its Iowa City facility and to offer to partner with the Johnson County Historical Society to preserve any materials the state disposes of; supervisors called the potential disposal of collections 'an outrage.'
Johnson County supervisors discussed requests from local historians and faculty to oppose the State Historical Society of Iowa's plan to close the Iowa City facility and potentially dispose of some collections. During the Aug. 20 work session, supervisors described the proposed closure as disruptive to local historians and archivists and directed staff to prepare a letter of opposition to the State Historical Society.
Supervisors said they would also reach out to the Johnson County Historical Society to explore whether the county could assist in preserving any materials the state intends to dispose of. Board members acknowledged capacity limits but indicated interest in discussions about salvaging significant items and in formally notifying state officials of the county’s concerns.
The board asked staff to prepare the letter on county letterhead and to circulate it for formal consideration the next day. Supervisor comments expressed strong dismay at the possible disposal of archival materials and stressed willingness to partner where feasible.
