Grinnell Historical Museum to host grand opening

GRINNELL — The new Grinnell Historical Museum, at 703 First Avenue in Grinnell, will host a grand opening Saturday June 28, from 3-5 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

Admission to the grand opening reception is free.

The new museum is located in the former Uhlmann’s Furniture Store on Highway 146, just south of downtown Grinnell. The spacious building has been transformed into a modern museum featuring movable walls, energy-efficient lighting, climate-controlled storage and well-designed spaces to feature brand-new exhibits, according to a press lease.

The building is now fully accessible and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Grinnell Historical Museum was founded in 1952 by a group of history-minded volunteers and was located on the second floor of a downtown building, according to the organization.

In 1966, the group purchased the McMurray House, a large Victorian home at 1125 Broad Street, becoming its third owner.

As the museum’s collection grew and technology progressed, the need for a larger, more accessible space was clear. The museum’s board of directors bought the former Uhlmann’s store in 2022 and began renovating the building to create a museum that is larger, more interactive and accessible.

Museum exhibits will include rotating displays as well as permanent installations.

In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Grinnell Historical Museum board will host a concert to raise money for the museum’s future operating expenses, including paying a museum director.

The 6:30 p.m. concert at Hotel Grinnell, 925 Park St. in Grinnell, will feature Whiplash, a legendary local classic rock band of the 1990s, playing ‘80s and ‘90s music.

MoJoS, a 2010 Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductee hailing from Grinnell, will make an appearance.

Whiplash and the MoJoS are donating their performances.

Tickets for the concert are $75 per person which includes appetizers and a beverage. A table of eight can be reserved for a $550.00.

Tickets may be purchased online at grinnellhistoricalmuseum.org or by sending checks to Grinnell Historical Museum, P.O. Box 254, Grinnell, IA. 50112. Ticket buyers may also contact the museum by phone at 641-510-1007 or email: grinnellhistoricalmuseum@gmail.com.

The new museum plans to open to the public in July with hours and activities announced soon.

Admission will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. Children under the age of five will be admitted free with an adult.

An annual museum membership will include free admission. The membership year starts July 1.