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IOWA CITY — Seventeen historians, archivists, professors, authors, and donors with decades of public service — including as University of Iowa archivist, U.S. Supreme Court historian, and state archaeologist — are suing the State Historical Society of Iowa for haphazardly and without public input deciding to close its Iowa City research facility and archives.

“The Iowa Code explicitly requires the State of Iowa to maintain history research centers in both Des Moines and Iowa City,” according to the lawsuit filed Sept. 26 in Johnson County District Court. “Yet, without public input or a clear plan, state officials have begun dismantling the Iowa City archive, laying off staff, and removing co

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