A book about Iowans in the U.S. Civil War has been awarded the 2017 Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award. The book focuses on Iowans and their services through the war, both in battle and at home. “I am a proud advocate of Iowa and passionate about our state’s history,” says Branstad, an Iowa history enthusiast, “it gives me great pleasure to recognize Thomas Baker as this year’s award winner, as well as other authors and editors who made this year’s shortlist.” The Shambaugh Award was established 30 years ago to recognize the very best new books about Iowa History. A full list of all publications considered for the award can be found included below this story.
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2017 Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award Winner
“The Sacred Cause of Union: Iowa in the Civil War” by Thomas R. Baker.
In a rare survey of a single state’s role in the Civil War, Baker interweaves economics, politics, battlefield tactics and social history to explore how Iowans helped reunite the fractured nation.
Shambaugh Certificate of Merit Recipient
“Invisible Hawkeyes: African Americans at the University during the Long Civil Rights Era” edited by Lena M. Hill and Michael D. Hill.
This essay collection documents the struggles and triumphs of African-American students at the University of Iowa from 1930-1960, who were officially welcome in the classroom but often faced discrimination in campus activities and the surrounding community.
Shambaugh Certificate of Merit Recipient
“From Hometown to Battlefield in the Civil War Era: Middle Class Life in Midwest America” by Timothy R. Mahoney.
This social history examines how the Civil War shaped the modern-day middle class.
Shambaugh Finalist
“The Jefferson Highway: Blazing the Way from Winnipeg to New Orleans” by Lyell D. Henry Jr.
Part history and part travelogue, this book salutes one of the country’s first named highways on its 100th anniversary.
Shambaugh Finalist
“Farmers Helping Farmers: The Rise of the Farm and Home Bureaus, 1914-1935” by Nancy Berlage.
This book looks at how local farm and home bureau organizations overcame skepticism to play a critical role in agricultural and home economics, veterinary medicine, public health and other aspects of rural and small-town life.
