LISTEN: Learn About the 1918 Flu Pandemic And Dancing Bans of the 1920s

While schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history. Our series continues with a difficult time in Iowa history. With COVID-19 spreading world-wide, you’ve probably heard people talking about the flu pandemic of 1918 – also referred to as the Spanish Flu. Our guide through Iowa History is Leo Landis, the curator of the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Landis describes how Iowa was hit hard by the flu pandemic. Nearly 7,000 Iowans died of the virus including, many soldiers preparing to go fight in World War I. We also hear from Shannon Miner of Iowa City. Miner’s family was living in Iowa 100 years ago and had a tragic encounter with the flu pandemic. Her great-great grandmother, Amanda Johnson, died of the flu shortly after giving birth. Two of Johnson's sisters died of the flu just days later. Later, we