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Community History Archives

Community History Archive Partner

ISSDA

Des Moines, Iowa

Explore this community history collection to discover the people, places, organizations, and events of Des Moines.

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3Titles

Explore publications and collections from the past.

1929 to 2012Dates represented

See individual titles for available dates.

37,646Archive pages

Historical pages reported for this collection.

Explore local history

Discover the people, places, and stories of Des Moines, Iowa.

Explore the past of Des Moines, Iowa through magazines or catalogs and records of civic organizations in the ISSDA's digital archive. Its three titles include material from 1929 to 2012.

You can open the archive using the link below.
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  • Selected titles

    ISSDA shares titles including “ISSDA Directory Issue” and “The Iowa Sheriff”.

  • Free and open access

    No subscription or payment required.

  • Different views of the past

    A magazine or catalog offers another perspective through the interests, subjects or offerings its publishers brought to their readers. An organization’s records reflect its activities and priorities. Read an entry with its date and purpose to understand the part of community life it documents.

Historical materials can connect a name or a familiar place with the experiences of earlier generations, revealing how personal stories fit within a community's past. Whether you are tracing a family connection, exploring a local event or sharing history with a class, there is more to discover than names and dates alone. Explore the archive online for free, without a subscription.

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Titles in this collection

Browse three titles and 37,646 digitized pages, with material from 1929 to 2012. This collection is shared through ISSDA's partnership with Advantage Archives. Some years or items may be missing between the dates shown.

A familiar name or place can be the beginning of a story. Explore the titles below to see where that connection leads.

ISSDA Directory Issue

1,794 pages from 1975 to 1980

The Gold Star

12,336 pages from 1980 to 2012

The Iowa Sheriff

23,516 pages from 1929 to 1975

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About the Community

About The Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association

The Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association (ISSDA) is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the law enforcement profession within the state of Iowa. The ISSDA provides training, advocacy, and resources to sheriffs and deputies, promoting professionalism and excellence in public safety. By fostering a network of support and collaboration, the association ensures that its members are well-equipped to serve and protect their communities effectively.

Partner Story

The History Of The Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association

Founded in the mid-20th century, the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association has a storied history of advancing law enforcement standards and practices in Iowa. Initially formed to provide a unified voice for sheriffs and deputies, the ISSDA has grown to encompass a wide range of activities, including training programs, legislative advocacy, and community outreach. Over the years, the association has been instrumental in shaping law enforcement policies and enhancing the professional development of its members.

About the Community

About The State of Iowa

Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest, is known for its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant communities. The state boasts a diverse landscape, from rolling farmlands to bustling cities, reflecting its dynamic history and culture. Iowa's strong sense of community and commitment to public service are evident in its many local events and festivals, which celebrate the state's unique heritage and traditions. With a robust network of public safety organizations, including the ISSDA, Iowa remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

Local History

Did You Know?

Did you know that The Gold Star magazine has been a key publication for the ISSDA since 1980, providing valuable insights and updates on law enforcement practices? Another interesting fact is that the ISSDA was one of the first state associations to implement a comprehensive training program for deputies, significantly enhancing public safety standards across Iowa. Additionally, the ISSDA played a crucial role in the establishment of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, further demonstrating its commitment to excellence in law enforcement.

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More ways to explore and share local history

Research Guidance

Read a publication in context

A question about Des Moines may lead you to magazines or catalogs in the collection shared by the ISSDA. Start with the title, date, and page or item reference where shown, then follow one detail that fits your search. The material type offers a direction; the source’s own wording and context determine what it can support. Keep the publication title, date, edition or issue, and page with a detail you find. Read the item’s headings and stated purpose before interpreting it, and keep the publisher’s descriptions distinct from conclusions about the people who read it.

Compare the same title or category across dated issues where available. Preserve differences in wording and organization, and keep the publisher’s account separate from conclusions about its readers or reach.

As you piece together a story from the past, note where each detail came from and why it matters. Include the title, date, and page or item reference. Mark uncertain identifications and unanswered questions so a promising connection does not become an unsupported fact.

The records of civic organizations shared by the ISSDA offer another research path. Keep the group’s name, date, and document type with a finding. If you are reading minutes, distinguish a proposal from a recorded decision; the group’s account may not establish who attended or how a plan unfolded.

Review collection titles

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Community Partnership

Keeping local history a community resource

This community archive is made possible by the collaboration of the ISSDA, its community, and Advantage Archives. Together, these partnerships preserve local sources and give people a way to explore, learn from, and share the history around them.

Advantage Archives covers ongoing archive hosting, storage, development, and maintenance. The institution and its community do not pay a subscription, seat license, annual support contract, or other recurring archive-service charge. Local history remains a community resource, not a subscription to maintain.

Would you like to see more of your community's history preserved and accessible? Start a conversation with your library, newspaper publisher, historical or genealogical society, museum, or school about the materials they would like to share and a possible partnership with Advantage Archives.

Learn about partnerships
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Read All About It

Stories, research tips, and archive news

Read All About It connects archive research with the people and institutions preserving local history. Explore partner and community stories, project updates, research ideas, and perspectives on digitization, education, and working with primary sources. Use the articles as a starting point for your next question or a new way to share a discovery.

Newest published articles

March 18, 2025

It’s Your Community’s History, So Why Rent Something You Own?

We believe that history belongs to the communities where it was made - not locked behind paywalls or inaccessible due to budget restrictions. Subscription-based services and large content aggregators are generally more concerned with "content" and less concerned with the history that content contains. Their models typically involve a reoccurring charge for a plan that renews annually or licensing agreements with the library based on population served or circulation numbers. You are essentially Renting Access To YOUR History.
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