In March & April, 1996, a group of genealogists organized the Kentucky Comprehensive Genealogy Database. The idea was to provide a single entry point for all counties in Kentucky where collected databases would be stored. In addition, the databases would be indexed & cross-linked, so that if an individual were found in more than one county, they could be located in the index.

The idea caught the imagination of genealogists across the United States. Within months the project expanded from Kentucky to all areas of the United States, becoming the USGenWeb Project.

By July 1996 it fell to Kelly Boldan, Rochester, Minnesota, to apply for and be awarded the nod to set up the State of Iowa in the USGenWeb Project. Kelly Boldan became the first IAGenWeb Project State Coordinator that July. On August 6, 1996 Kelly launched the IAGenWeb page on Rootsweb. The state of Iowa joined the USGenWeb in a very visible way on August 6, 1996. That is the first date of record and the date Kelly opened Iowa for county adoptions. The IAGenWeb Project was born.

The first year was filled with a pioneering growth expanding into a territory where no human had ever trod. Kelly expanded the management of the IAGenWeb to a cabinet of volunteers as it became apparent the job needed to be done within a team.

The first cabinet consisted of Kelly Boldan, Dennis Walsh, Sue Soden, Randy Dop and Loren Toomsen. The group looked for examples of successful volunteer organizations to establish succession. The model chosen was that of Toastmasters, Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis and other service organizations. The position of State Coordinator would last a term of one year commencing on July 1st and lasting until June 30th. A coordinator would make a three-year commitment to the Iowa Project. The first year would be served as Assistant State Coordintor. The Second Year as State Coordinator and the third year as Immediate Past State Coordinator. This would guarantee a commited group, continuity and important depth to the project. It also provides for every person who wishes to lead the project an opportunity to serve.

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