ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa | Even though Sheryl Davis grew up in the era of Michael Jackson, the Trimble, Ohio, native preferred music from an older generation.
"While I like all types of music, I felt a connection to rock and roll of the 1950s, '60s and '70s," she said. "That was when the music was young."
Earning a master's degree in historical preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2012, Davis pursued a joint passion in music and architecture.
"There is plenty of history in rock and roll and there is a need in preserving many of its landmarks," she said.
Which makes Davis the perfect person to be in charge of the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Museum.
"I've had the job for a while now," the interim museum director said. "I'm currently getting exhibit material from our 2016 Hall of Fame inductees."
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Davis already knows many of Iowa's music pioneers. She has been working on "The Surf Speaks: Voices of Living History in Clear Lake" for more than a year.
"This project creates a historic record of the iconic Surf Ballroom's Winter Dance Party that keeps going due to the efforts of rock and roll diehards," she said.
In case you didn't know, the Surf Ballroom was the site of a Feb. 2, 1959, show given by Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens. Along with pilot Roger Peterson, the three legendary rock and rollers were killed in a plane crash shortly after takeoff.
"The Iowa Rock 'n Roll Museum was always on my radar," Davis insisted. "I knew it was pioneering and unique."
In addition, the Hawkeye State also had its fair share of preservation projects.
Davis has already helped restore Elvis Presley's Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake, Mississippi, as well as Johnny Cash's childhood home in Dyess, Arkansas. She's looking forward to participating in similar projects in Iowa.
"Preserving rock and roll history is still a relatively new thing," she said. "It's something that's important because many of the original performers have passed away and many of the landmarks have already been destroyed."
In addition, looking to the past may provide prospective for the future.
Discussing Michael Jackson's discography, Davis noted that the artist's "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" albums paid homage to many legendary R&B performers.
Likewise, many of today's biggest names were influenced by Jackson.
"Rock and roll tells the story of us as a people, both in the past as well as for the future," Davis said.Â
Which is very appealing for a historian like Davis.
"Rock and roll remains vital in America," she insisted. "And it's just as vibrant in Iowa."Â
