Historical Printing Opportunities

The University of Iowa Center for the Book provides excellent opportunities to experience historical printing. Available facilities include the Historical Printing Studio operated jointly with the University of Iowa Printing Department and the Amana Print Shop and Bindery operated jointly with the Amana Heritage society. These facilities support programs including Linotype tutorials, public printing demonstrations and a one-hour credit seminar in historical printing. Further information is available from Gary Frost.

UI Historical Printing Studio

Located in 25 North Hall by appointment, the UI Historical Printing studio has a Reliance Iron hand press and a smaller jobber press. UICB associates and students host historical printing demonstrations here both for UI classes and for the public. The facilities are available to UICB students interested in historical printing and a Historical Printing Seminar is planned. Check our News & Events section for upcoming events.

Amana Print Shop & Bindery

Located in Homestead, one of the original Amana colonies, the Amana Print Shop & Bindery is equipped with a Chandler & Price jobber press and a Merganthaler Linotype typesetting machine. The Amana colonies have a long printing tradition, and printed over 100 books between 1865 and 1930. In addition to books, Amana printers produced church service notices, pamphlets, medicine bottle labels, and wedding invitations. Currently, UICB associates and students give public demonstrations summer Saturdays. Check our News & Events section for more details.