In the past few years, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses have made a push as a top focus in Iowa schools. However, a local historian wants to make sure school districts don’t forget about lessons from the past.

As they gear up for their 50th anniversary celebration, Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation Board Member and former teacher Rod Stanley is hoping educators maintain the value of history in schools. “We don’t do enough local history in schools. People should know about their county history. People should know about their community history. I taught history for many years and Iowa history for a lot of years and it never seemed like we had time to do that. We need to make time and I don’t know if it will ever happen or not but that’s just my personal opinion.”

According to the Iowa Department of Education’s Iowa Core Social Studies Standards, Iowa History is included as a content anchor standard in K-12 education. The historical village in Panora will celebrate their 50th anniversary with free admission and refreshments on Saturday, May 5th from 1-4pm.