Special to the Times Vedette
April 19-25 is National Library Week. We have several things planned, so stay tuned.
The Casey Public Library has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private nonprofit, to host a presentation called “Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage, or ‘Who Do You Think We Are’ ” by John Liepa at 2 p.m., April 11, at 604 McPherson St., Casey. This event is free to anyone, and refreshments will be served.
Liepa is professor emeritus of history and political science at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC.) He taught courses in political science, U.S., and Iowa history from 1972-2010. He has a B.S in history and an M.A. in political science from Iowa State University. He received an “Excellence in Education” award in 2001 and was honored as DMACC’s “Educator of the Year” in 2004. He served five terms on the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Board of Trustees from 1998-2113, having served both as chair and vice-chair; and, on the Iowa Historical Foundation, the fundraising arm of the State Historical Society of Iowa. Since retiring, he has taught courses for the Senior College of Greater Des Moines, OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Drake University and as an independent presenter on “Iowa’s Role in the Civil War,” Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage, or “Who Do You Think You Are?,” and the “Early History of Baseball in Iowa.” Liepa has been a 24-year member and program chair of the Des Moines Civil War Roundtable.
Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage, or “Who Do You Think We Are?”
Enjoy the unfolding and changing adventure of Iowa’s immigration history. Beginning with the Ioway, one of 17 distinctive indigenous tribal groups, we will trace chronologically who we are as Iowans. From Spanish explorers and French trappers, traders and priests; to the dominant English, Germans and Irish; to Scandinavians, Dutch and Czechs, we will explore why these group chose to leave their homelands and how they eventually ended up in Iowa. African-Americans, Eastern Europeans and Hispanics have different stories to share along with other “newer” Iowans. This course is personal and interactive, and we will work together to discover who we are and who we are becoming as Iowans.
A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.
If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-746-2670 in advance.
The Casey Public Library is located at 604 McPherson St. in Casey. Phone number is 641-746-2670 and website is www.casey.lib.ia.us.