One of the most recognizable landmarks on the University of Iowa campus is celebrating an anniversary this week. Old Capitol is marking 25 years as a museum. Ann Smothers, director of the Old Capitol Museum, says it’s a must-see for Iowans.The cornerstone was laid on July 4th, 1840. The building served as Iowa’s third territorial capitol from 1842 until 1846, and as the state capitol from 1846 until 1857, when the seat of government was moved to Des Moines.Old Capitol hosts about 40-thousand visitors a year, including about eight thousand schoolkids.A reception is planned for Thursday afternoon (4:30 to 5:45) to mark the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Old Capitol as a “living museum.”
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