Former Iowa Governor Donates Papers to Drake University

Vilsack's collection to be housed at Cowles Library in Des Moines

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A warm, cinematic painting of an old wooden desk in a shadowy government office, with diagonal sunlight streaming in through a window, conceptually representing the preservation of historical political documents.The donation of a former Iowa governor's personal papers to a university library preserves an important political legacy.Des Moines Today

Drake University announced that former Iowa Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has donated his personal papers and documents to the school's Cowles Library collection. The private university in Des Moines said the donation will preserve Vilsack's political legacy and provide research opportunities for students.

Why it matters

Vilsack's papers offer a unique window into Iowa politics and policymaking during his time as governor from 1999 to 2007 and as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2009 to 2017. The collection will be an important resource for scholars studying Midwest politics, agricultural policy, and government administration.

The details

Vilsack served two terms as Iowa's governor before being appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by President Obama. During his time in both roles, he was involved in major policy decisions around renewable fuels, food safety, and rural economic development. The donated collection is expected to include correspondence, speeches, policy briefs, and other materials that document Vilsack's political career.

  • Vilsack donated his papers to Drake University in April 2026.

The players

Tom Vilsack

Former Iowa governor from 1999 to 2007 and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2009 to 2017.

Marty Martin

President of Drake University, the private university in Des Moines, Iowa that will house Vilsack's donated papers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are honored that Governor Vilsack has chosen to donate his papers to Drake University. This collection will be an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and researchers studying Iowa politics and agricultural policy.”

— Marty Martin, President, Drake University

The takeaway

The donation of Vilsack's papers to Drake University's library underscores the institution's growing reputation as a hub for the study of Midwest politics and policy. The collection will provide unique insights into a pivotal era of Iowa's history and the evolution of the state's agricultural economy.