Cedar Valley Historical Society Speech on October 27

Sunday, October 25th, 2026 | Book Signing, Iowa History Journal, Speaking

The Cedar Valley Historical Society has announced that author and historian Mike Chapman will be the speaker at its October 27 meeting, to be held downstairs in the mess hall at the Grout Museum of History and Science, 503 South St. in Waterloo,

The evening will begin with a social hour and light refreshments at 6:00 PM, followed by a brief business session at 7:00 PM, then the guest speaker.

“A Waterloo native, Mike is an acclaimed author, journalist, and historian who retired from a
35-year career in journalism in 2002,” said a press release. “He now dedicates his time to writing books, articles, and screenplays, as well as delivering speeches across the country.”

He has authored 33 books, including the biography of Terry Branstad, the longest serving
governor in American history. His historical fiction novel, Lowell Park, explores Ronald Reagan’s time as a lifeguard in 1932 and its historical intersection with Abraham Lincoln’s military service in the same area a century prior. The novel has been optioned for a Hollywood film production.

A widely recognized speaker and media personality, Chapman has spoken at nearly 150 events and appeared on programs such as Antiques Roadshow, ESPN, A&E, Fox Sports, Iowa Public Television, and Fox and Friends. He has also been featured in nine documentaries and interviewed iconic figures, including Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, and Robert Redford.

Beyond his literary accomplishments, Chapman is one of the nation’s leading authorities on the history of wrestling. He is a member of 12 halls of fame, a five-time National Wrestling Writer of the Year, and founder of Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine (WIN). He also created the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy—the college wrestling equivalent of the Heisman Trophy—and founded the International Wrestling Institute and Museum, which moved to Waterloo from Newton in 2008 and is named in honor of Dan Gable.

In addition to his athletic and historical pursuits, Chapman is an authority on the Trojan War and co-founded the Iowa History Journal with his wife, Bev, in 2008.

Members, guests, and community members are highly encouraged to attend.
Admission for the event is $3 for guests, while annual memberships are available at $7 for individuals and $12 for families.

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To contact Mike, go to the contact page