Gov. Terry Branstad has announced that the Abigail Adams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution would be the 5th award recipient of private funds used to promote historical projects around Iowa.  Kristine Bartley, Regent of the Abigail Adams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) joined Gov. Branstad in the announcement.

To date, the Iowa History Fund has provided funds to:

• restore Gov. Samuel Merrill’s mausoleum in Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines;
• construct a monument honoring the six Littleton brothers near Wapello;
• assemble the Hugh Sidey Collection in Greenfield; and
• repair gravesites at the 160 year old St. Wenceslaus Church Cemetery in Spillville.

The 5^th Iowa History Fund award, in the amount of $10,000, is being granted to finalize the fundraising effort to install more than 300 unmarked baby graves in Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines.  The Iowa History Fund contribution will match other private contributions from Kurt Rasmussen, Suku Radia and Prairie Meadows to meet the organization’s overall goal of raising just under $27,000.

Starting in 1848, 501 babies were buried in a special area of Woodland Cemetery.  At the time, most were given a number and a small wooden cross that eventually deteriorated.  In 2006, Gerald A. LaBlanc initiated a campaign to complete a headstone marker for each grave.  LaBlanc, now almost 90 years old, has been an educator, advocate, tour guide, fundraiser and spark plug for preservation, restoration and appreciation of the historic site.  He secured the funds for 196 of 501 headstones but was unable to complete the project alone.  Stepping up in service, the Abigail Adams Chapter DAR has taken the initiative to complete the project.