Iowa State Honors Alumna Kathryn Marley Gourley
The university recognized the longtime archaeologist for her extensive contributions to state historical preservation.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Awards
On October 1, 2026, Iowa State University presented Kathryn Marley Gourley with a distinguished alumni award. This recognition follows her three-decade career with the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Why it matters
Gourley is recognized for her multifaceted career that spanned roles as a staff archaeologist, grants manager, and outreach coordinator. Her work has been instrumental in securing essential funding and maintaining the integrity of Iowa historical sites.
Gourley served the State Historical Society of Iowa for more than 30 years and secured a $1 million Save America's Treasures grant for Fort Atkinson restoration efforts. She previously earned the Iowa Archeological Society's Keyes-Orr Award in 2021.
The players
Kathryn Marley Gourley
She is an accomplished archaeologist who spent over 30 years working with the State Historical Society of Iowa to preserve regional history.
Iowa State University
This public research university in Ames awarded the distinguished alumni honor to Gourley for her professional achievements.
State Historical Society of Iowa
The state agency manages historical resources and employed Gourley throughout the majority of her professional archaeological career.
The details
Gourley utilized her anthropology degrees from Iowa State University to manage diverse preservation duties, including field history and compliance coordination. Her leadership successfully brought the Fort Atkinson restoration project to completion in 2024.
Timeline
The Meskwaki and Sauk people faced displacement during the 1830s and 1840s.
Gourley earned the Keyes-Orr Award for Outstanding Service to Iowa Archaeology in 2021.
The restoration project at Fort Atkinson reached completion in 2024.
Iowa State University presented the distinguished alumni award on October 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
This award highlights the transition toward valuing professionalized historical management as a cornerstone of community identity. It reflects a growing societal commitment to preserving tangible remnants of the past through programs like the Save America's Treasures grant.
Residents of Ames and the wider Iowa area benefit from the long-term preservation of regional heritage sites like Fort Atkinson. These efforts maintain public access to history and ensure that significant archeological findings remain protected for future generations.
The takeaway
Professional dedication to state historical archives ensures that the stories of regional displacement and development are not lost to time. Supporters of local history can emulate this legacy by participating in community-led preservation initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic and professional milestones in the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times-Republican.
