It’s always exciting when someone from Fort Dodge receives a statewide award. That’s especially true when the person being honored is well-known in our community for the important work being recognized.

When a question arises about some aspect of Fort Dodge history, Roger Natte has long been regarded as the person to contact for guidance in seeking an answer. On Wednesday, he will be honored for his significant contributions to the study of our state’s history. At a ceremony in Des Moines he will be the 2018 recipient of the William J. Petersen/Edgar R. Harlan Award.

Being selected for this award is hugely significant. That’s why Gov. Kim Reynolds, acting Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and representatives of the board of trustees of the State Historical Society of Iowa will be on hand to make the presentation.

Natte has been part of our community since he arrived here in 1959 to teach history to eighth-graders. He promptly began to delve into the history of the Fort Dodge area so he could make his lessons about broader subjects more relevant to local students. Natte became fascinated with the subject and has devoted much energy over the decades since to its study.

Over the years, as a result of his research, Natte has written more than two dozen articles on various aspects of Iowa history. His work has been included in as array of prestigious publications. He performs a key role in preserving local historical materials by serving as the keeper and organizer of the Webster County Historical Society’s archive of photos, articles, books and artifacts.

Natte has been a key participant in statewide organizations that help advance knowledge about our state’s history. He has been a member of the board of trustees of the State Historical Society of Iowa and the board of directors of Iowa State Archaeological Society and on the Iowa Historical Records Advisory Board. Locally he has served on of the Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission and on the board of the Webster County Historical Society.

Natte has helped Fort Dodgers appreciate the history of their town and region not only through his writing, but also through numerous presentations for local organizations and gatherings.

He remains intrigued by local history and enthused about learning more.

“I think it’s pretty exciting to come across someone that I’ve never heard of that came from Fort Dodge and made a national name,” Natte told The Messenger. “That’s exciting to learn about that. At the same time, that reinforces your view of Fort Dodge. Who are our military heroes? Did we produce any scientists or inventors? Who do we have that has made an impact on national entertainment, movies for example? Who are our authors? Who are our bad guys? … The chase is interesting. I enjoy the research. I enjoy digging into things.”

The Messenger congratulates Roger Natte on being chosen to receive this important award. Natte’s determination to help Fort Dodgers appreciate the history of their town is a huge asset to this community. His work deserves statewide recognition as well as the applause of everyone who calls this town home.