Almost 175 years ago, Iowa became the 29th state to join the Union. To mark the anniversary, coming up on Dec. 28, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has teamed up with the Iowa Arts Council to publish a special art-filled edition of the state’s leading history journal, The Annals of Iowa. Additionally, the department has developed a number of special resources and programs that organizations can use to join in the celebration. The new edition of The Annals of Iowa features two overview articles about the enduring value and ever-shifting evolution of Iowa history itself, along with nine additional essays on specific topics such as agriculture, education and politics. The journal also features 17 original works of Iowa-inspired art created by artists from across the state. Individual copies and subscriptions of the quarterly journal can be purchased at iowaculture.gov. Articles from previous editions, dating back to 1863, are freely accessible online. In addition to reading the journal, here are more ways Iowans can commemorate Iowa’s 175th anniversary.