On Tuesday, May 27, the Iola Historical Society will host its monthly gathering at the 1901 Firehouse Replica in the Iola Historic Village Complex, and the spotlight will shine brightly on the future of local graduates.

The evening will kick off with a Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. The program centerpiece, set for 7 p.m., will feature Bill Lund, who will deliver a presentation titled: “What happens to Iola-Scandinavia kids after graduation?”

Lund’s talk, framed under the theme “This is The Place … I-S Graduates … Your Brigadoon,” will explore the journeys and life paths of students from the Iola-Scandinavia School District, shedding light on what lies ahead after they leave their school halls. Attendees can expect both heartfelt reflection and inspiring stories as the community looks to celebrate its youth and their futures.

Alongside the feature presentation, the meeting will also cover several key agenda items. During the business portion, members will review Memorial Day events, evaluating successes and areas for improvement in an After Action Review. The group will then pivot to planning for the upcoming Strawberry Fest, scheduled for Sunday, June 22, an annual event that brings together locals for fresh fruit, fellowship, and antiques appraisals.

Looking ahead to June, the community is invited to a special cultural unveiling. On Sunday, June 8, at 2 p.m., the Iola Historical Society will unveil a new Native American Culture Marker, an initiative aimed at honoring Indigenous history in the region. This event, like the monthly meetings, promises to deepen the community’s connection to its past while looking toward its future.

The next monthly Board and Membership meetings will take place on Monday, June 30.

For more information about upcoming events or to ask questions, the community is encouraged to call 715-445-5050.