Heritage Trust sees increased visitors for 2025, plans 2026 season

MT. PLEASANT - Pat White of Henry County Heritage Trust has seen increased attendance at the group’s events.

This comes in the wake of an initiative to have at least two presentations a month from May to October, which White believes to be greatly responsible for the jump in visits. Roughly, numbers doubled.

Also worth noting was a presence at the Farmers’ Market, where the group was there on Wednesdays selling homemade cookies.

“I can thank Mona Gates and Sheila Allender for that,” White said. “They were very dedicated in showing up.”

Historic artifacts, too, were sold, such as historic books and framed 1870s plat maps of the county. These were duplicates of existing material, and thus will not be missed; however, they made beautiful gifts, and brought in much-needed revenue.

White said that now is the “planning stage,” wherein the next season is planned, lasting from May to October.

July 25 will see a program on Henry Clay Dean, a trustee of Iowa Wesleyan during the Civil War. A “Copperhead,” Dean, staunchly against the war, spread unfounded rumors that the war was caused by a conspiracy of bankers, rather than the conflict between southern slaveowners and the federal government. His family, the Rebel’s Cove Family Historical Society, succeeds him and tells his story, one which adds nuance and intrigue to the traditional story of the American Civil War. They will be host the program.

White said Henry County Heritage Trust is still making plans to fill the rest of its schedule, and is “more than happy” to discuss suggestions.

To suggest a program, ask for information, or any other matter concerning the Trust, call the museum at 319-385-3821, or message them on their Facebook page.

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Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com