a month ago
23
0
Posted On: September 9th 2026, 01:56 pm
Congratulations to Kathryn Gourley (‘78 & ‘90 Anthropology) on being this year’s recipient of the WLC Distinguished Alumni Award!
Kathryn Marley Gourley has spent her career protecting and preserving Iowa’s rich historical and archaeological heritage. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology from Iowa State University, she built a distinguished career in archaeology, historic preservation, and public history.
Early in her career, Gourley worked in archaeology and historic preservation for engineering firms, government agencies, and as a private consultant. Her graduate research at Iowa State examined the displacement of the Meskwaki and Sauk people during Iowa’s territorial period, reflecting a lifelong interest in understanding and preserving the stories that shaped the state.
For more than 30 years, Gourley served the State Historical Society of Iowa in a variety of leadership roles, including staff archaeologist, field historian, grants manager, education and outreach manager, and review and compliance coordinator. Through these positions, she worked with communities across the state to protect historic resources and expand public appreciation for Iowa history.
Even in retirement, Gourley remains an active advocate for historic preservation. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was helping secure a $1 million Save America’s Treasures grant that supported restoration efforts at Fort Atkinson, a project completed in 2024. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she received the Iowa Archeological Society’s Keyes-Orr Award for Outstanding Service to Iowa Archaeology in 2021.
https://alumni.las.iastate.edu/awards/las-alumni-awards/
Kathryn Marley Gourley has spent her career protecting and preserving Iowa’s rich historical and archaeological heritage. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology from Iowa State University, she built a distinguished career in archaeology, historic preservation, and public history.
Early in her career, Gourley worked in archaeology and historic preservation for engineering firms, government agencies, and as a private consultant. Her graduate research at Iowa State examined the displacement of the Meskwaki and Sauk people during Iowa’s territorial period, reflecting a lifelong interest in understanding and preserving the stories that shaped the state.
For more than 30 years, Gourley served the State Historical Society of Iowa in a variety of leadership roles, including staff archaeologist, field historian, grants manager, education and outreach manager, and review and compliance coordinator. Through these positions, she worked with communities across the state to protect historic resources and expand public appreciation for Iowa history.
Even in retirement, Gourley remains an active advocate for historic preservation. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was helping secure a $1 million Save America’s Treasures grant that supported restoration efforts at Fort Atkinson, a project completed in 2024. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she received the Iowa Archeological Society’s Keyes-Orr Award for Outstanding Service to Iowa Archaeology in 2021.
https://alumni.las.iastate.edu/awards/las-alumni-awards/
More posts
