The Iowan

In the May/June 2010 issue of The Iowan

SPECIAL SECTION
Discover Iowa’s Treasures...
In Its Museums!

Presented by the Iowa Museum Association

To download a PDF of this section CLICK HERE (It's a large file, please be patient)

To download the locator map CLICK HERE

Iowa’s museums are special places — historical, educational, beautiful, and exceptional. Each has unique stories to tell. Inspiring stories of artists who created beautiful works of art. Touching stories of personal sacrifice during the state’s settlement. Phenomenal stories of fortunes made and fortunes lost, of scientific discoveries, of athletic triumphs over all odds, of prairie plants saved from extinction.

Every Iowa museum also holds a special treasure. Some are easy to spot, like gold- and jewel-encrusted goblets and pieces of eight. Some are less obvious and require visitors to dig a little deeper to understand their significance. Why is that trophy so special? What is the story behind that wooden airplane propeller? Why is this painting so meaningful? Why is it important to save those seeds? That blanket was hand-loomed by whom?! That monkey can do what?!

The Iowa Museum Association’s Discover Iowa’s Treasures invites you to explore the riches in museums throughout the state. They come in all sizes, and there is one in almost every county. Some reside in historic homes and art museums, others in science centers and zoos, and still others in botanical gardens and historical societies. The museums are as unique and extraordinary as their treasures. Their missions include preservation, conservation, stewardship, and education.

Grab your treasure map and head out to discover Iowa and the treasures found in all her museums.

EAST

	African American Museum of Iowa President Barack Obama used this podium, built by Sound Concepts Inc., at every appearance he made in Iowa during the 2007–2008 presidential race. The President liked it so much that he still uses it every time he returns to Iowa. You can deliver your own victory speech from the President’s podium—and see an array of other artifacts from America’s first African American president—in the new exhibit, Endless Possibilities, at the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids. Call 319-862-2101 or 877-526-1863 or visit www.blackiowa.org. Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Sunday.
	Amana Heritage Museum The evening of February 12, 1875, much of Iowa and the Midwest witnessed one of the largest recorded meteor displays. The Great Iowa Meteor (Detonating Meteor or Amana Meteor) filled the sky with light and sound. Hundreds of pieces fell in the heart of the Amana Colonies, several weighing over 50 pounds. Over 800 pounds of the meteorite were recovered. At the time, it was the second largest meteorite fall known to science. The Amana Heritage Museum in the village of Amana currently displays one of the largest pieces. Visit www.amanaheritage.org for more information.
	Belle Plaine Historical Society The largest artwork of its kind in Iowa, The Legacy is an amazing 19- by 29-foot sculpted brick mural covering one exterior wall of the Belle Plaine Area Museum. Designed by Cedar Rapids artist Gary Anderson, this richly detailed mural captures scenes from local history and serves as a tribute to Iowa’s past. The Legacy’s impressive size and scope and its easy availability to the public make this mural a must-see treasure on the old Lincoln Highway. Free admission to regular museum exhibits and lectures. Call 319-434-6093 or visit www.belleplaineareamuseum.org.
	Bily Clocks Museum A collection of 40 hand-carved clocks awaits your visit to Spillville. Brothers Frank and Joseph Bily spent their lives depicting history, religion, and culture through clocks so creative that the world found its way to their door. In 1928 Henry Ford offered the brothers $1 million for one of the clocks. This clock stands 12 feet high, with 57 panels carved out of cherry wood that illustrate American history. We invite you to see for yourself why Henry Ford wanted this clock for his collection and hear why the brothers refused to sell it. Call 563-562-3569 or visit www.bilyclocks.org.
	Buffalo Bill Museum Come aboard the steamboat Lone Star, a historic treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lone Star is the only remaining example of a boat built in the traditional Western Rivers fashion, with a wooden hull and light superstructure. She holds the distinction of operating longer than any other wooden-hulled steamboat and being the last one in operation. She’s now dry-docked in the glass-and-steel River Pilot’s Pier, attached to the main museum building in historic downtown LeClaire. Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m. 199 North Front Street, LeClaire. Call 563-289-5580 or visit www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.org.
	Catich Gallery One of two casts in the United States made by Rev. Edward M. Catich, this cast of the inscription on the base of Trajan’s Column located in Rome is one of the most famous examples of Roman square capitals. Catich, renowned calligrapher and stone incisor, created rubbings of the inscription in the 1930s. He self-published texts about the letterforms in the 1960s. On display at Catich Gallery’s Letterforms as Paramount exhibition, June 2–July 23. Located in the Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University, Davenport. Summer hours are Wednesday–Friday 12–4 p.m. Call 563-209-1287 or visit http://web.sau.edu/Catich.
	Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Come see a different side of Grant Wood! Grant Wood and Kristoffer Haga, Volund Shop Silver Pitcher, ca. 1914–1915, silver, 10½ inches high. Museum purchase made possible by the Collectors’ Circle, Peggy and Jim Meek, Forbes Oldorf, Joanne and Don Ribble, Bonnie and Roger Schmidt, and Candace Wong, 2008.082. As part of the current Grant Wood: In Focus exhibition, this pitcher fills a major void in holdings from this period of Wood’s career. Visit the museum Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday noon–4 p.m. Call 319-366-7503 or visit www.crma.org.
	National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Commissioned about 90 years ago, this beautiful Masaryk violin has carvings that include the head of Tomáš G. Masaryk, Czechoslovakia’s first president, which appears on the scroll. Carvings of composer Richard Wagner and the two-tailed Czech lion complete the work. Though damaged in the Flood of 2008, this long-treasured object has been successfully conserved. Rising Above: The Story of a People and the Flood is a new exhibition that features the Masaryk violin. The museum’s new location at 87 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, opens April 17. Call 319-362-8500 or visit www.ncsml.org.
	Delaware County Historical Society A “School Boy Company” Civil War monument is located on the former Lenox College Campus, home of the Delaware County Historical Museum in Hopkinton. President Lincoln’s delegate requested “100 day men” in 1864. The college president and most of the male student body enlisted to fight in the Civil War. The monument lists the names of those who didn’t return. The nine buildings house Civil War exhibits, recreated shops, agricultural artifacts, and college memorabilia, as well as natural history, railroad, religious, and area historical displays. Located on Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway. Call 563-926-2639 or visit www.delcoiowahistory.org.
	Des Moines County Heritage Center Des Moines County was once “the cradle of the beer trade of the northwest.” In 1905 brewmaster Martin Moehn opened the “finest brewery in the State of Iowa.” He enticed customers with bright, colorful souvenirs. He distributed graceful bottles and used cheerful labels. The trays featured beautiful, young Gibson Girls, but Moehn put his own face on the steins. The brewery succumbed to Prohibition in 1917, but its crenellated towers still rise above Burlington. Open May to October. Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m. Call 319-752-7449 or visit www.dmchs.org.
	Dover Historical Museum A horse in a Lowell, Henry County, parade carried this handmade cotton flag in its headstaff when Stephen A. Douglas, a Democrat, ran against Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, for president of the United States in 1860. This item plus two floors of exhibits remain on view at the fully accessible Dover Historical Museum at 213 W. Main Street in New London. Saturday and Sunday 1–4 p.m. or by appointment. Call 877-468-7700 or visit www.dovermuseum.org.
	Dubuque Museum of Art The Dubuque Art Association formed in 1874, the oldest cultural agency in the state. The name changed to Dubuque Museum of Art in 1996. The Museum is fortunate to have a significant collection of work by Iowa regionalist Grant Wood, including paintings, lithographs, and sculpture. Appraisal, pictured here, is on loan from Dubuque’s Carnegie Stout Public Library. Accredited in 2004, the Museum strives to be responsive to artists and the general community through its collection, exhibitions, and a variety of educational student classes and parent/child initiatives. 701 Locust Street, Dubuque. Call 563-557-1851 or visit www.dbqart.com.
	Grout Museum District This Steinway short-scale grand piano is an original piece in the Rensselear Russell House Museum, part of the Grout Museum District. Rensselear Russell, the original owner of the home, purchased the piano in 1891 for his daughter Lillian from Denton, Cotter and Daniels, Steinway dealers in Buffalo, New York. Not only was it the first grand piano in Waterloo, it was also one of the first grand pianos west of the Mississippi River. In 1993, the piano was sent to Steinway and Co. in New York for restoration. Call 319-234-6357 or visit www.GroutMuseumDistrict.org.
	James & Meryl Hearst Center for the Arts Thaddeus Erdahl masterfully modeled this ceramic work in 2006. Commissioned by the James & Meryl Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls, the work was partially funded by Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Besides artworks and exhibits, visitors will also enjoy performances, workshops, programs, discussions, and classes. Closed Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Wednesday & Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 1–4 p.m. Free admission. Call 319-273-8641 or visit www.hearstartscenter.com.
	Iowa Children’s Museum Sky Pup is a rare aircraft on loan from Pat and Margarita Kennedy. Uniquely designed, the airplane stretches 19 feet long with a 32-foot wingspan and weighs 280 pounds. Pat Kennedy built Sky Pup and last flew it in 1986, taking off from a dirt landing strip near Hills, Iowa. This ultralight airplane flies very slowly, about 25 m.p.h. Anyone can fly it without a pilot’s license. Coming in for a landing, the only brakes you have are your feet that hang below the airplane while you’re flying. Coral Ridge Mall, Coralville. Call 319-625-6255 or visit www.theicm.org.
	Kalona Historical Village The “Railroad Crossing,” a hired man’s or daybed quilt, is only one of the 30-plus Amish quilts shown in the Amish Gallery of the Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum in Kalona. The Quilt Museum, inside the Kalona Historical Village Visitors Center, houses an “English” Quilt Gallery (non-Amish is called “English” by the Amish) and an Amish Gallery, plus 15 outside buildings. Winter hours 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Summer hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission $4, inside gallery tour; $7, guided Village tour. Call 319-656-3232 or 319-656-2519 (Countryside Tours) or visit www.kalonaiowa.org.
	Carl & Mary Koehler History Center The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center in Cedar Rapids houses a rare local innovation, a 1913 Maxen electric car and one of three ever built in Cedar Rapids. The two-passenger car produced by Maxen Motors Company has a red-orange wooden body, black metal fenders, and canvas top. The car ran on battery power and originally sold for $1,450. Green technology may be taking on increasing importance today, but the Maxen is evidence that Cedar Rapids has a long history with the electric automobile. On view in the History Center’s permanent exhibit. Call 319-362-1501 or visit www.historycenter.org.
	Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museums Come walk through our rich agricultural history in the Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museums. Exhibits include Changing Seasons: Farmall Grows America, The Golden Age of Threshing, Women: Partners in the Land, Electricity Comes to the Farm, and Water: Too Little, Too Much. Don’t miss Printers’ Hall, a collection of working linotype machines and presses, or the fabulous dolls of the Bussey Doll Exhibit. Join us for the annual Old Threshers Reunion, Sept. 2–6, 2010. Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museums, 407 E. Threshers Rd, Mt. Pleasant. Call 319-385-8937 or visit www.oldthreshers.com.
	Muscatine Art Center Once the private home of a lumber heiress, the Musser Museum features many distinctive architectural details of the Edwardian period. The mansion’s 11 rooms display important collections of paintings, sculpture, Oriental carpets, and decorative arts. The adjoining Stanley Gallery hosts national, traveling art exhibitions. To view a full listing of events and exhibitions, visit www.muscatineartcenter.org. Free admission. 1314 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 1–5 p.m.
	Muscatine History and Industry Center The Muscatine History and Industry Center, located at 117 West Second Street in historic downtown Muscatine, is home to the Pearl Button Museum. Visit the interactive exhibit showcasing how Muscatine once produced 1.5 billion pearl buttons annually. Plus trace the history of current “Made in Muscatine” industries, including the HNI Corporation, Stanley Consultants, and Bridgestone Bandag. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Call 563-263-1052 or visit www.muscatinehistory.org.
	Old Bradford Pioneer Village Museum The Illinois Central caboose is our biggest artifact and the one that draws visitors to the Old Bradford Pioneer Village Museum. A favorite with young and old alike, the caboose sits next to an original Chicago Great Western depot. Come to Nashua and visit these sites and our other 11 buildings that replicate the town of Bradford in Chickasaw County in the 1800s. May–October. Call 641-435-2567.
	Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area One of 49 federally designated National Heritage Areas, Silos & Smokestacks brings the story of American agriculture to life at more than 100 sites and attractions in this National Park Service affiliate. Spanning 37 counties in northeast Iowa, the region is bordered by Interstate 80 to the south, Interstate 35 to the west, and the majestic Mississippi River to the east. From dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor assembly tours, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area offers an agricultural experience for everyone. Call 319-234-4567 or visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org.
	University of Iowa Hospitals and Project Art A Century of Caring: The Health Sciences at The University of Iowa 1850–1950 is an exhibit of the early history of University Hospitals and the University of Iowa Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Through archival images and artifacts, visitors learn how scientific innovation has contributed to patient care. Project Art is a collection of over 4,000 works of original art displayed in all public areas of the hospitals and clinics. Self-guided tour brochures are available for adults and children. Call 319-353-6417 or visit www.uihealthcare.com/depts/projectart.
	University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist This is a close-up photograph of a cord-impressed rim from a prehistoric Late Woodland (300–1250 A.D.) ceramic vessel from the Mouse Hollow Rockshelter (13JK59) in Jackson County. The vessel is one of over 16,000 objects in the Paul Sagers Archaeological Collection, part of the State Archaeological Repository. See this object and others, part of new exhibits highlighting Paul Sagers’ contributions to Iowa archaeology, beginning November 2010 at the Office of the State Archaeologist. Call 319-384-0741 or visit www.uiowa.edu/~osa/.
	Ushers Ferry Historic Village The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department invites you to experience one of its treasures. The Gazebo at Ushers Ferry Historic Village is a unique area of peace and tranquility set apart from the rush of modern life. Its quiet shade beckons visitors to relax on blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy music, storytelling, weddings, parties, and special events. Find out more about this treasure and all of the great things happening at Ushers Ferry. Call 319-286-5763 or visit www.ufhv.com.
	Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Visit Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum through March 20, 2011, to see a special exhibition of stunning quilts, Pieces of Self: Identity and Norwegian-American Quilts — expressions of gender, family, religious, and ethnic identity. Vesterheim is the most comprehensive museum in the United States dedicated to a single immigrant group. With over 24,000 artifacts and 16 historic buildings, this national treasure showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. Preserving a heritage. Connecting us all. Call 563-382-9681 or visit www.vesterheim.org.
	Waterloo Center for the Arts Dr. and Mrs. F. Harold Reuling established the Haitian Art Collection within the Waterloo Center for the Arts in 1977. The Reulings donated the first piece, Chickens, by Bourmond Byron. Haitian art provides a visual narrative of the daily lives, traditions, religion, history, and politics of the Haitian people. This painting forms the cornerstone of the largest public collection of Haitian artwork in the United States. Selections from the collection remain on view in the Reuling Feldman Galleries at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Call 319-291-4490 or visit www.waterloocenterforthearts.org.
	Wilder Memorial Museum One relic among the hidden treasures at the Wilder Memorial Museum stands out and relates to the museum’s founding. Pictured is an early 18th-century Queen Anne wooden doll. She is one of a rare set owned by one of the museum’s founders, whose extensive doll collection was the reason for the museum’s creation. Our wide range of artifacts varies from Victorian art glass and furniture to military items, Impressionist art, and prairie farming. Experience all of our treasures when you visit beautiful Strawberry Point. Call 563-933-4615 or visit www.wildermuseum.org.

CENTRAL

	Faulconer Gallery Faulconer Gallery at Grinnell College offers three exhibitions that delve into American culture. Art/Appreciation by Mark Wagner presents collages made from dollar bills. Of particular note is his recreation of Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Also on view is a multiscreen video installation called The Silent Echo Chamber by Harry Shearer of Saturday Night Live, with a who’s who of American personalities, all strangely silent for once. The paintings by Dutch artist Michael Van den Besselaar recreate images from black-and-white television of the mid-20th century. On view June 18–September 5. Call 641-269-4660 or visit www.grinnell.edu/faulconergallery.
	Floyd County Museum Floyd County Museum is proud of its large tractor addition that celebrates Charles City’s heritage of “Founders of the Tractor Industry.” The exhibit includes vintage Hart-Parr and Oliver tractors, product memorabilia, lawn and garden tractors, vintage Oliver boat motors, and a Hart-Parr washing machine. There is a one-of-a-kind complete turn-of-the-century drugstore to enjoy, as well as exhibits on log cabin life and rural, county, and city schools. Open year-round Monday–Friday 9–4:30 p.m., June through August, also open Saturday–Sunday 1–4 p.m. 500 Gilbert Street, Charles City. Call 641-228-1099 or visit www.floydcountymuseum.org.
	Fort Museum & Frontier Village The Cardiff Giant, whose story began in Fort Dodge, was the greatest hoax of the 19th century. The fake “petrified man” fooled tens of thousands of people, including expert scientists. P.T. Barnum’s attempt to purchase him inspired “There’s a sucker born every minute.” The Cardiff Giant is one of many fine displays housed in 18 buildings at the Fort Museum, modeled after an 1862 militia fort, and the Frontier Village, furnished circa 1900. Located two blocks east of Hwy 169 on Business Hwy 20 in Fort Dodge. Call 515-573-4231 or visit www.fortmuseum.com.
	Humboldt County Museum Our museum holds quite a few items from the Frank Gotch (1878–1917) estate and from people in Humboldt County who followed his world-famous wrestling career. The collection includes many photos, postcards, and scrapbooks, as well as buttons, posters, newspaper and magazine articles. Personal items such as his trainer’s stopwatch and the water jug used at his training center and family items including Gotch’s own christening robe, an invitation to his wedding, his school lunch pail, and even the desk he sat at in school are also on view. Call 515-332 5280 or visit www.humboldtiowahistory.org.
	Charles H. MacNider Museum Home to the Bil Baird puppets, including those that appeared in The Sound of Music, the Museum also includes works by renowned American artists Thomas Hart Benton (pictured, Spring Tryout), Arthur Dove, Alexander Calder, glass artist Dale Chihuly, and the famed pop artist Andy Warhol. Unique temporary exhibitions are also on display. 303 2nd Street SE, Mason City. Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.–5.p.m. Free admission. Call 641-421-3666 or visit www.macniderart.org.
	National Balloon Museum This blimp-shape, 70,000-cubic-foot hot air balloon or hot air ship with “St. Louis” emblazed on the balloon envelope is called the A. Roy Knabenshue. Knabenshue was considered the most successful pilot of the St. Louis World’s Fair of 1903–1904. The balloon named after him has a carriage for both pilot and passenger, who sit behind a Plexiglas windshield. The push propeller mounted on the rear of the carriage enables forward movement. Find this treasure and many more of the museum’s unique artifacts in Indianola. Call 515-961-3714 or visit www.nationalballoonmuseum.com.
	Pella Historical Society In its original European home, you might have found Goliath on a street corner playing music. Today, this treasured street organ resides in the Music Room at Pella Historical Village and plays music outdoors during festivals and special events. On May 6–8 you will find Goliath playing Dutch polka music among the tulips for the 75th anniversary of Tulip Time. Goliath has a smaller brother named David that you may see in the parade among many bands and floats also celebrating tulips. Open Monday–Saturday through the end of December. Call 641-628-4311 or visit www.pellatuliptime.com.
	Salisbury House & Gardens Discover diverse and beautiful treasures, such as the Russian-made, silver Madonna from the late-1600s encrusted with more than 100 precious and semiprecious gems, at the Salisbury House & Gardens in Des Moines. Built between 1923 and 1928 by Edith and Carl Weeks, the 42-room Salisbury House contains more than 10,000 objects making up an amazing worldwide collection that includes Native American crafts, fine arts, and antiques centuries old. The 2,100 rare books in the Library include classic works from D.H. Lawrence, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, and others. Call 515-274-1777 or visit www.salisburyhouse.org.
	Textiles and Clothing Museum The Mary Alice Gallery, 1015 Morrill Hall, is the centerpiece of the Textiles and Clothing Museum, AESHM Department, Iowa State University, Ames. The Gallery features student and faculty work and showcases the collection’s objects in interpretive exhibitions. Students and faculty curate and install all of the exhibits. First and second place winners of the 28th Annual Fashion Show will be on display in the Mary Alice Gallery from April 29–August 15. Open Monday–Friday 11–4 p.m. To inquire about current or future exhibits, tours, and educational programs, please contact us by email at tcmuseum@iastate.edu.
	John Wayne Birthplace Home to world-famous movie star John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907. The restored 4-bedroom home displays an impressive collection of John Wayne memorabilia. Guided tours are given daily, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission: adults $6.00, seniors (60 plus) $5.00, and kids (12 and under) $2.00. 216 South 2nd Street, Winterset. Call 515-462-1044 or 877-462-1044, or visit www.johnwaynebirthplace.org.
	Webster County Museum Our featured treasure is our Boy Scout collection believed to be the largest in Iowa. A wide range of scouting materials and history covers 1,500 square feet. Some other displays feature military, 4-H, medical, farming, music, millinery, school, wedding, toys, and needlework. Displays cover county history from 1860s to present to show how people lived, worked, and played. Lots of parking. No steps. Located 3 miles off Interstate 20 and 6 miles south of Fort Dodge. Open April–November, Thursdays and Saturdays 10–4 and by appointment. Call 515-972-4544 or 515-972-4804.

WEST

	Danish Immigrant Museum This colorful banner is from the Danish-American Athletic Club, founded in Chicago in 1922. The club supported athletic teams, gymnastics, and folk dancing, all with the goal of promoting Danish-American culture. Recently repaired, the banner is now in the collection of The Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn. It is featured in the museum’s newest exhibition, Sampling the Collection, A to Å. Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m. Call 800-759-9192 or 712-764-7001 or visit www.danishmuseum.org.
	Hitchcock Nature Center Visit the breathtaking Loess Hills prairie remnants at Hitchcock Nature Center and discover prairie larkspur. Blooming late May through June, prairie larkspur is found in dry upland prairies and prairie pastures. This native plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has a long, towering, flowering spike that contains up to 30 large, whitish blue flowers. Search for prairie larkspur via a network of over 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through prairie and woodland habitats. Photo credit Brian Peterson. Hitchcock Nature Center is located in Honey Creek. Call 712-545-3283 or visit www.pottcoconservation.com.
	Montgomery County History Center This photograph was taken from a large collection of glass slides that date back to 1898 and 1899, when the Montgomery County National Guard took part in the Philippine Campaign. The photo represents only a small portion of one of the finest military displays on view at the History Center. The Center houses artifacts ranging from prehistoric to recent: a 300-year-old dugout canoe, Murphy Calendar Company, various agricultural items, and more. Located in Red Oak, just north of U.S. Highway 34. Tuesday–Sunday 12–4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Call 712-623-2289 or visit www.freewebs.com/montgomerycountyhistorycenter.
	Parker Museum You’ll discover this unique stained-glass lighted colonnade and its companion tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in Spencer. This treasure is just one example of the architectural features in the 1916 Arts and Crafts-style house built by Roy Webb, the first president of what is now the Clay County Fair Association. Rev. & Mrs. James E. Parker, founders of the Parker Historical Society of Clay County, later owned the house. Parker Museum collections include items from the 1931 Great Spencer Fire and much more. Open Tuesday–Friday 11:30–3:30 p.m. or by appointment. Call 712-262-3304 or visit www.parkermuseum.org.
	Plymouth County Historical Museum Located in a 1905/1925/1952 former school, the museum features five accessible floors of local heritage displays. Highlights include a 1940s airplane, a Loess Hills wildlife exhibit, a Civil War log cabin, a Kids’ Cabin, a Religious Heritage Room, a 1940s diner featuring root beer floats, a Country School Room, a Military Room, agricultural rooms, a Music Room containing a rare collection of antique musical instruments, plus a restored Study Hall and Gym. Open Tuesday through Sunday 1–5 p.m. and by appointment. Located at 335 First Avenue Southwest, Le Mars. Call 712-546-7002 or visit http://plymouthcountymuseum.homestead.com/museum.html.
	The Sanford Museum & Planetarium You’re invited to visit this rare artifact of portable prehistoric art. This pipestone tablet engraved with a bison is one of several tablets and other portable objects recovered from an archaeological village site circa 1450. The red pipestone, commonly referred to as catlinite, is a raw material from the Pipestone National Park quarries in southwestern Minnesota. Over 500 years ago, this pipestone was quarried and transported to northwest Iowa, then engraved with multiple animal images. Come visit this amazing artifact in Cherokee. Call 712-225-3922 or visit www.sanfordmuseum.org.

READ MORE IN THIS ISSUE OF THE IOWAN subscribe now

ORDER PAST ISSUES OR BULK QUANTITIES OF THE IOWAN 800-352-8039

BECOME A FAN OF THE IOWAN

Web Design by