The resources and materials held in the Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) are vast and varied. If someone mentions using SCUA for their research, the first thing that likely comes to mind is historical research. And while SCUA is a great place for that, we have so much more to offer. Here are some examples that may be helpful in reframing how you look at SCUA and how we can serve you.

In our collections we hold the records of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association. As part of that collection, we have records of the corn yield test from 1920 to the present. This contest was designed to determine the best growing varieties of corn in 4 different districts in Iowa. This wealth of information is a bounty for agricultural researchers.

1927 Corn Yield Test. Call number SB191 C8 Io87i

One interesting major at Iowa State is biological and premedical illustration. Over the years, students from this major have visited SCUA to view books such as Flowers of the Brazilian Forests by Margaret Mee. The students have an opportunity to view the book not as a historical document, but an example of the type of illustration they are learning to make for their career.

Plate 13 from Flowers of the Brazilian Forest by Margaret Mee. Call number QK263.M47f

Iowa State is the proud home of one of the best public fashion design programs in the country. Should an aspiring fashion designer be searching for inspiration, they need look no further than the Mary A. Barton fashion illustration collection. The collection (1776-2008) contains plates of general fashion dating back to the 18th century and continuing through the 20th century. You can see many of the fashion plates online (pre-1923). Of course, 19th century fashion doesn't directly correlate to modern fashion, but it's just one more great place to get inspiration. Or, if you are looking to recreate clothing from the past, we also have patterns!

Place your bets: Are fancy hats or hoop skirts going to come back into fashion first?

These are just a few examples of the endless possibilities for research to be done in SCUA. Stop by anytime, we'd love to see you! We are open Monday-Thursday, 9-5, no appointment required.