Archiving Terrace Hill’s History

By Sandra Windsor

2006

The Terrace Hill Society was formed to assist in the preservation of Terrace Hill, Iowa’s home for its governors, when it was given to the state of Iowa in 1971. For over 30 years, the Society has been the primary source for the acquisition of furnishings for the site. The Societys records include board minutes, special committee records, photographs, financial records, fundraising projects such as galas and book projects, and furnishings acquisition records. While collection accession records are well managed, a records management and archival system for these valuable primary resource documents is sorely needed. As Terrace Hill is now officially listed as a National Historic Landmark, it’s vitally important that the Society’s sources provide a documentary resource about many phases of the preservation efforts for the property.

Over these many years, a collection of more than 104 cubic feet of file cabinets and boxes has been created. A prescribed processing standard for housing these valuable resources and having them properly administered will ensure that they will be preserved and may be accessed for current and future research.

A grant to the Historical Resource Development Program at the State Historical Society of Iowa will fund this project and enhance the preservation, conservation and/or interpretation of our valuable historical resource.

A Technical Advisory Network (TAN) consultant gave an overall view of the proposed project—reviewed the condition of our records, provided us with an understanding of archival storage, and pointed out problems, issues and considerations.

An archive consultant was then hired to evaluate old records and determine which should be maintained permanently, and to instruct staff and volunteers on how to prepare these records for permanent storage. Only appropriate archival storage materials and cabinets will be used. The archivist is Grace Linden, Sioux City Museum curator.

An active group of Society members is volunteering time—more than 240 hours—and the Society will provide the cash match ($700) indicated in the grant budget to complete the project. Volunteers have been trained in the preservation of the Society’s records.

The Terrace Hill Society’s records and care are important to preserving history and ensuring the prominence of Terrace Hill. Serving as the home of the governor, Terrace Hill is a vital, living place where people come together. The mansion is a magnificent museum of history, government, art, architecture and culture. As a National Historic Landmark, its rooms are filled with wonder and awe for all guests.

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