The Wallace House Foundation commemorates the remarkable influences of the Wallace family on Iowa, the nation, and the world. It preserves the rebuilt and restored home of the first Henry Wallace as an historical and interpretive center and promotes discussion of and education about contemporary issues in agriculture, conservation, democracy, and quality of life.
In the 20th Century, four Iowans served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture: James Wilson, 1897-1913; Edwin T. Meredith, 1920-21; Henry C. Wallace, 1921-24; and Henry A. Wallace, 1932-40. Together, they had a major influence on policies for agriculture, resource conservation, rural life, and food and nutrition programs that still exist today.
In 2002, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area awarded the Wallace House Foundation a grant to create and install five traveling display panels that showcase the importance of agriculture and the influence four Iowans who served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture had on the state of Iowa. The traveling display consists of five pillars that each detail this rich history. The first pillar highlights additional museums and historical sites related to the exhibition and a general outline of the display. The other four focus on each individual Secretary of Agriculture and include a timeline of their lives and accomplishments.
The display at the Wallace House was also part of the 2004 World Food Prize celebration. The “Iowas Four Secretaries of Agriculture” exhibit, which had its premier October 19, 2004, is now available to community organizations and museums throughout Iowa.
For more information about the Wallace House Foundation or the traveling displays, you can call 515-243-7063 or visit www.wallace.org .
Topics: Spotlight Site
