How was Sioux City paired with Giljan, Kosovo, as a sister city?  Why does Kosovo have a strong relationship with Iowa specifically, and the United States in general?  How did our Declaration of Independence inspire Kosovar freedom?  Explore these questions and more during History at High Noon: History at High Noon: Kosovo, US & Iowa – Partners in Peace, presented by the Sioux City Public Museum in partnership with WIT Lifelong Learning on Thursday, June 18 at 12:05 p.m. at the Robert Dunker Student Center on the Western Iowa Tech Community College campus. Guests should park in Lot 3 and use Entrance 12, then find room W108.

Kosovo is the second youngest country in the world and the youngest country in Europe.  Following the Yugoslav wars, in which Kosovo was initially somewhat quiet, there were years of ethnic violence.  The US became involved through NATO, with NATO joint operations and Kosovar forces holding the country.  Kosovo declared independence in 2008 following a referendum and approval by the Assembly of Kosovo and their Declaration of Independence shares traits with our Declaration. 

 Iowa and Kosovo have a particularly strong friendship, stemming from the Kosovo-Iowa National Guard Partnership, which was created in 2011.  This relationship continues with the creation of multiple sister city relationships with Iowa and Kosovo, and in particular with Sioux City and Giljan, Kosovo in 2023. 

Museum Director Steve Hansen and Drilon Zogaj, Chief of the Consular Mission of the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo on a visit to the Sioux City Public Museum in November 2025.

This presentation is part of the Sioux City Public Museum’s 250th anniversary programming, celebrating the community’s enduring role in American history.

History at High Noon is a popular lunchtime photo-based program series typically held on the third Thursday of each month at 12:05 p.m. at the Sioux City Public Museum. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches to enjoy during these free presentations at the Museum.