What started as a digitalization project two years ago is now evolving into something remarkable. The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation’s initial Bright Ideas Community Enrichment grant to scan thousands of historical photos has already proven invaluable, providing resources for schools, researchers, and local historians.
Now, the project is taking a significant leap forward. The UNI Foundation is launching a 360º Tour Ottumwa, an interactive digital experience that does more than just show old photos. By combining historical images with precise drone footage, the tour allows users to explore downtown Ottumwa as it appeared back to 1910.
Over 220 historical photographs have been meticulously geolocated to their original sites. Local historians, UNI students, and community volunteers have added depth to each image, creating a rich, contextual view of the city’s evolution. It’s no longer just a collection of images—it’s a comprehensive visual narrative of Ottumwa’s history.
When it launches, the tour will be accessible through the Ottumwa Public Library, Mainstreet Ottumwa, and the Iowa Heartland History Connection websites. For educators, urban planners, history enthusiasts, and residents, this will be an unprecedented tool for understanding the city’s development. The anticipated project completion date is late April/early May.
If you have innovative ideas or necessary projects that can further enrich our community, we encourage you to submit your proposals today. The Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund grant application deadline is February 28th. 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Complete your application conveniently online at: https://www.ottumwalegacy.org/for-grantees-scholars/bright-ideas-community-enrichment-fund/
