March 19, 2024

A familiar face takes over Iowa History Journal

Starting as a reporter and working his way to editor with some freelancing thrown in, Michael Swanger has been working for central Iowa newspapers and magazines for 21 years.

That’s why when founder Mike Chapman asked Swanger if he was interested in owning the Iowa History Journal, it fell right into step with where his career was going.

“I was at a point in my career after having worked for central Iowa newspapers and magazines for 21 years as a reporter, editor and freelance writer that I was ready to take the next step in my career to become a publisher,” Swanger said.

Taking the reigns on Jan. 1, the transition has been picture perfect.

“In short, the stars were aligned and the transition of ownership has been seamless and smooth. My wife, Rebecca, and I owe Mike and Bev a debt of gratitude not only for the heavy lifting that they did to launch Iowa History Journal, but for their ongoing mentorship and trust in us to care for their baby. We are both grateful and honored by it all,” Swanger said.

This was not Swanger’s introduction to the journal. When Chapman founded the journal in 2009, he asked Swanger to contribute on a freelance basis.

“Over the years, I have written several feature and cover stories for Iowa History Journal and I have enjoyed unearthing stories that have rarely or never been told. It’s one of the many things that I have admired about the magazine since Mike founded it — it’s ability to tell informative, entertaining stories that appeal to all Iowans,” Swanger said.

Chapman and Swanger worked together at the Newton Daily News when Swanger was a reporter and Chapman the publisher. One of his first meaningful reporter jobs, Swanger cut his teeth in the world of journalism at the daily.

“One of the many things I appreciated about working for the NDN was the variety of assignments and how every day was different. It was a terrific way to hone my craft on the job,” Swanger said.

After leaving the Newton Daily News in 2002, Swanger worked at the Des Moines Business Record and in several positions for Cityview. In 2008, Swanger started as a freelance writer contributing to Iowa History Journal, Iowa Living magazines, Cityview and the Des Moines Register, to name a few.

Now as publisher and editor of Iowa History Journal, Swanger hopes to share the passion he has for Iowa and its rich history. Mostly read by parents and grandparents, Swanger is anticipating reaching a new demographic with the upcoming September/October issue.

“We’re extremely excited by the prospect that Iowa History Journal will reach tens of thousands of young Iowans in the next year, as every public middle school and high school in Iowa will receive Iowa History Journal,” Swanger said.

Iowa History Journal publishes six issues per year and is available at all Casey’s and Hy-Vee’s in the state, as well as through subscription.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.