The History Center in Cedar Rapids announced Friday it has received a prestigious national award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).
The AASLH’s national Award of Excellence is being presented for the “Oral Histories LIVE!” project developed by the Linn County Historical Society, doing business as The History Center (THC), and is considered among the nation’s most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history.
“The History Center is humbled and honored to receive this recognition, the highest possible from the AASLH,” said Jason Wright, The History Center’s executive director. “However, credit must be given to the dozens of Linn County people that have been interviewed. This program would be nothing without them. Their candid stories of struggles, successes and life lessons learned have been extremely informative and entertaining.
“In addition, Mike Wilson and Esther Wilson – before Esther passed away – believed in this program from the start and became the sole sponsors of the program,” Mr. Wright added. “THC could not do this without the help of Mike Wilson.”
According to a release, the “Oral Histories LIVE!” project was developed because of a need to capture the stories and histories of those that have had impactful lives in Linn County. Many such stories have been lost to the ages, and every day that passes brought a permanent closure to many more.
While many historical societies record oral histories with just the interviewer and the subject, THC decided to try something more accessible to the public. Using the model of the Bravo Channel’s “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” THC captures the oral histories in a room filled with attendees, using a moderator to guide the conversation and facilitate audience questions.
All the “Oral Histories LIVE!” presentations are professionally videotaped and post-produced and are posted on The History Center website for public viewing. More than 1,700 people have viewed the recordings to date.
In addition, THC uses interns to transcribe the presentations, which then become part of THC’s searchable archives. Those seeking primary source material related to any Linn County subject they are researching can easily find and use these recordings.
This year, AASLH is conferring 51 national awards honoring people, projects and exhibits. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.
The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions to the arena.
The History Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019, serves to preserve and tell the stories of Linn County. From its physical location at the former Douglas mansion at 800 Second Ave. SE, The History Center serves more than 22,000 patrons annually with exhibits, programs and research.
Approximately 60% of the museum’s in-person visitorship and program attendees are from Linn County, while 24% are from states other than Iowa. The remaining 16% come from other counties in Iowa.
THC has celebrated cash-positive year-ends for eight years and has no debt. This financial achievement has been accomplished through a strictly managed sustainable business plan that focuses on maximizing revenue while providing the mission-driven services that the community desires.
