When did efforts begin to protect Iowas battle flag collection?
In 1998, a grass roots committee made up of members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, various veterans’ organizations, and interested citizens was formed. The Iowa Battle Flag Preservation Committee was instrumental in gaining legislative support to fund a study. In 1999, efforts began to stabilize the Battle Flag collection of the State of Iowa. The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs was appropriated funds to conduct a study to stabilize the flag collection. The study was conducted between the State Historical Society and Conservator Fonda G. Thomsen of the Textile Preservation Associates, Inc. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the present condition of the flag collection and provide long-term preservation recommendations for the collection. In 2000, funding from the Iowa General Assembly was appropriated to begin stabilization of 85 flags in the collection of the State Historical Society of Iowa.
