Historical Societies Near Me in Calamus
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
505 Sterling Drive, Walcott, IA
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was a dream of Iowa 80 Truckstop founder, Bill Moon. Bill had a passion for collecting antique trucks and other trucking memorabilia. We are pleased to be able to share this collection with the general public. Every truck has a story to tell and can provide a unique glimpse back in time. Many rare and one-of-a-kind trucks are on display. View short films about trucking history in our REO theater; a great way to learn even more about the trucks of yesteryear. Come and visit us, we'd love to have you.
Figge Art Museum
225 West 2nd Street, Davenport, IA
Mission Statement:
The Figge Art Museum, formerly the Davenport Museum of Art, actively serves the public by collecting, conserving and exhibiting art, and by promoting appreciation and creation of visual art through education. As a vital, responsive institution, the Museum brings art and people together, expands the knowledge and love of art and enriches the life of the community through the power of art.
Vision Statement:
The Figge Art Museum will be the leading regional art museum of eastern Iowa and western Illinois by:
Engaging, educating, and delighting a broad and diverse public with outstanding art exhibitions, acquisitions, and education programs.
Collaborating with local and national organizations to reflect the aesthetic needs and interests of the community and to attract community, cultural, and financial support.
Focusing on the assets of the Figge, building on the strengths of the collections, continuing its professional dedication to scholarship.
Promoting it as a community forum and tourist destination.
Creating a welcoming and intellectually stimulating atmosphere conducive to aesthetic enjoyment, contemplation, learning, and inspiration.
Bettendorf Family Museum
2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, IA
The Museum's Mission
Inspire, connect, and strengthen our community by enriching the lives of our children today and expanding their capacity to shape their future.
Engage families, caregivers, and teachers with children eight years and under in active play and learning experiences and environments that spark their curiosity, explore their interests, foster their potential and nourish a sense of belonging.
The Museum's Vision
The Museum envisions a community that is increasingly vibrant, engaged, and resilient because it recognizes and develops the potential of its children.
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
210 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA
The museum is open to the public every day from 9am to 5pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission fees are $6.00 for Adults (17-61) $3.00for Senior Citizens (62 and over), Holders of National Park, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports, and Free for Children (16 and under) and members of the Hoover Presidential Library Association. The museum is located in West Branch, Iowa, just off Interstate 80 at Exit 254.
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
350 East 3rd Street, Dubuque, IA
History:
The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) has its roots in the Richard Herrmann Museum of Natural History, established in the 1870s. The DCHS was formed in 1950 as a private, non-profit organization with a focus on oral and archival history; and it opened its first museum, the Mathias Ham House, in 1964. Over the past 25 years the DCHS has successfully raised $54 million to organize and expand its Mississippi River Museum into the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The Museum & Aquarium is accredited by the American Association of Museums — a distinction held by only 9 percent of American museums, was named an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in August 2002, and was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2009.
National Farm Toy Museum
1110 16th Avenue Ct SE, Dyersville, IA
The Farm Toy Museum, located amongst the scenic bluffs and countryside of eastern Iowa, has been home to over 30,000 farm toys and collectibles since 1986. The idea of a farm toy museum came from the growing awareness of the farm toy hobby through passionate and enthusiastic collectors, and the demand for additional space to house the National Farm Toy Show. Taking note of these two elements Dave Bell, then of the ERTL Company, and Claire Scheibe, founder and past president of the Toy Farmer Ltd. met with the Dyersville Industries, Inc. (DII) Board of Directors to propose the National Farm Toy Museum.
As was expected, the DII Board did not immediately accept the idea of building a museum. One major concern of the Directors focused on was the expense to construct the facility. To help defray the costs a fund raising campaign was put together that included introducing and selling a series of collector tractors. The first series was a line of vintage Cockshutt tractors. The series consisted of a three-tractor set that was produced from 1986 thru 1990. Those who purchased the first set are acknowledged on the Founding Collectors board located in the entrance of the museum.
The result of the fund raising campaign and the sales of the Cockshutt series tractor sales was the National Farm Toy Museum. In November of 1986, the museum was partially finished so that it could be used as additional space for the National Farm Toy Show.
Every year the National Farm Toy Museum selects an exclusive collector's series tractor to produce for the benefit of the Museum. For more information on the collector series of tractors please contact the National Farm Toy Museum.
Old Capitol Museum
21 Old Capitol, Iowa City, IA
Our Mission Statement:
The Old Capitol Museum seeks to educate the university, local, and national communities on the continuing significance of the humanities, as an invigorated and distinguished building that serves as a center of culture and civic discourse for the State of Iowa, through public outreach initiatives, educational programming, exhibitions, and academic scholarship.
History of Old Capitol:
Over 150 years, Old Capitol has served Iowa as a seat of government and education. It has become a symbol of pride and excellence for The University of Iowa, Iowa City and the state. When Old Capitol's cornerstone was laid on Independence Day in 1840, Iowa City became the second seat of government, where the last four Iowa territorial legislatures met. In Old Capitol, Iowa made the transition to statehood. Here, the first governor was inaugurated, the first six Iowa general assemblies met, and the state's constitution--still the fundamental law of Iowa--was drafted.
When the state government moved to Des Moines in 1857, Old Capitol was deeded to The University of Iowa and became the first building owned by the University. The UI's charter was made official by the First Iowa General Assembly in 1847 in Old Capitol, just 59 days after Iowa's admission to statehood. The University opened its doors to students in March 1855, conducting classes in a rented building. Since 1857 Old Capitol has been a focal point of the University, serving as library, chapel, armory, and providing space for classrooms and offices as the University grew. Today, it continues to serve both functionally and symbolically, housing the museum and highlighting the University's progress.
The Iowa Children's Museum
1451 Coral Ridge Avenue, Coralville, IA
Mission Statement
The Iowa Children's Museum is a vibrant cultural attraction, educational family resource and vital element in the Iowa economy. The mission of The Iowa Children's Museum is to educate children about their world in a setting that promotes positive interactions between children and their parents,
caregivers and educators. The museum serves this mission through interactive exhibits, engaging hands-on programs and community outreach. With an annual visitation of approximately 100,000 children and adults, The Iowa Children's Museum is one of the largest cultural attractions in Iowa.
Vision Statement
The Iowa Children's Museum exists to celebrate and nurture the power and potential of every child while promoting lifelong learning that is Serious Fun!
African American Museum of Iowa
55 12th Avenue Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA
Our Mission
To preserve, exhibit, and teach the African American heritage of Iowa.
Our Vision
We envision building a community that comes together to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Iowa’s African American history and culture through conversation, engagement, and reflection.
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
1400 Inspiration Place South West, Cedar Rapids, IA
Mission Statement
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is the United States’ foremost institution interpreting Czech and Slovak history and culture.
Amana Heritage Museum
4310 220th Trail, Amana, IA
About Us:
The Amana Heritage Museum is comprised of three 19th Century buildings, set in spacious grounds. The Noé House, built in 1864, was originally a communal kitchen and later a doctor's residence. Exhibits in the Noé House trace the history and development of Amana, depict a church interior, and display the varied crafts and industries of the Inspirationists. Temporary exhibits and special programs focus on particular aspects of Amana's culture. The Schoolhouse was built in 1870. It contains the Christmas Room, a Kinderschule, toys, dolls, handwork, carpet weaving, and a communal Amana school display. An audio visual presentation on Amana's history is shown regularly in the Schoolhouse auditorium.
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
503 South Street, Waterloo, IA
History:
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to present. Step into their stories through traditional exhibits, interactive activities and an electronic Wall of Honor. The Museum consists of over 35 interactive exhibits. Interviews collected via the Voices of Iowa Oral History Project total over 1,500.
Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum
502 West Water Street, Decorah, IA
Mission:
Vesterheim embodies the living heritage of Norwegian immigrants to America. Sharing this cultural legacy can inspire people of all backgrounds to celebrate tradition.
Nelson Pioneer Farm And Museum
2211 Nelson Lane, Oskaloosa, IA
History:
Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The property, maintained by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution, now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America.
The Nelson home, built in 1853, and the Nelson barn, built in 1856, are the focal point of the museum and are designated National Historic Sites by the U.S. Department of Interior.
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA
A grand manor home built in 1877 by prominent businessman Hoyt Sherman; the structure is now a museum and performing arts center. The original house and gallery display an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and elaborately carved 17th century furniture as well as many rare, ancient artifacts. The newly renovated historic theater built in 1923, hosts an impressive array of world renowned musicians, theatrical productions, and local performing arts events.
Iowa Gold Star Museum
7105 Northwest 70th Avenue, Johnston, IA
Mission Statement:
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum's mission is to honor and depict the military experience of Iowa citizens in all wars, homeland defense and Iowa service. The museum's purpose is to collect, preserve and exhibit materials that illustrate the story of Iowa's military past from statehood to the present. The Iowa Gold Star Museum honors the heroic service of all Iowa veterans. As a state institution, we want to be recognized as the Premiere Veterans Museum for the state of Iowa.
Heartland Museum
119 SouthWest 9th Street, Clarion, IA
Clarion is the county seat of Wright County in north central Iowa. A century of agricultural machinery is on display in the north building of the museum. The display includes over 2,000 toys on the balcony level. The downstairs has 16,000 square feet of original and restored machinery, featuring rare and unusual items. There is also an extensive collection of horse-drawn equipment and early farm items.
Midweek drop in's are welcomed-9 to 11am, 2 to 4pm -as staffing is available! Please call ahead if possible to make an appointment. 515-602-6000. We book tours all year long!
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and James H. Andrew Railroad Museum
225 10th Street, Boone, IA
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum is a division of the Iowa Railroad Historical Society, a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum / Iowa Railroad Historical Society does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. ©2023 Iowa Railroad Historical Society.
National Hobo Museum
51 Main Street South, Britt, IA
The National Hobo Museum began as the dream of 3 life-long hobos and former Hobo Kings. Determined to preserve the history of the American Hobo, these men formed the Hobo Foundation in the mid-1970s. The foundation, made up of hobos and residents of Britt, Iowa – home of the National Hobo Convention since 1900 – tasked themselves with ensuring that the stories of the American Hobo and Britt Hobo Days would be told for generations to come.
The reality of the museum took hold in the early 1980s with a single box of artifacts and a gift of money from an unknown hobo. The generous monetary donation was used to purchase the former Chief Movie Theatre on Britt’s Main Street. With a permanent home for a museum, artifacts were gathered from all over the world – donated by former Hobo Kings & Queens, collectors, and the families of hobos who had “caught the Westbound.”
Today the National Hobo Museum is owned and operated by the Britt Hobo Days Association, a non-profit group dedicated to hosting the annual National Hobo Convention and preserving the history of the life and times of the American Hobo. The museum boasts a vast collection of authentic artifacts, memorabilia, paintings, photographs and much more. Additionally, the collection tells the century long story of the National Hobo Convention and showcases personal collections of many of the more notable American hobos including Steam Train Maury, the Pennsylvania Kid, Connecticut Slim, the Hard Rock Kid, Frisco Jack and others.
The museum also features a small theatre where documentaries on the hobo lifestyle may be viewed, a large archive of written documents and audio recordings, and a gift shop featuring a wide variety of souvenirs including: t-shirts, postcards, walking sticks, books, CDs, authentic hobo-made crafts, and more.
Iowa Aviation Museum
2251 Airport Road, Greenfield, IA
The Iowa Aviation Museum celebrates Iowa's remarkable aviation heritage... from the first recorded flight in 1910 to its native sons and daughters exploring the universe.
The museum is open April thorugh November closed December through March.
Monday - Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located at the Greenfield Municipal Airport 1/2 mile North of Greenfield and 1/2 mile East of Highway 25