Grinnell Historical Museum to Host Grand Opening on June 28

     The new sign at the Grinnell Historical Museum at 703 First Ave. in Grinnell. The museum opens to the public on Saturday, June 28. Submitted photo.

      The new Grinnell Historical Museum at 703 First Ave. in Grinnell, will hold its grand opening on Saturday June 28, from 3 to 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 moveable walls, energy-efficient lighting, climate-controlled storage, and well-designed spaces to feature brand-new exhibits. The building is now fully accessible and ADA compliant and also features meeting rooms and event spaces.
      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. In 1966, the group purchased the McMurray House, a large Victorian home at 1125 Broad St., becoming only 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. The exhibits will include rotating displays as well as permanent installations.
Whiplash Concert
      In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Grinnell Historical Museum board is hosting a concert to raise money for the museum’s future operating expenses, including a museum director, enabling it to continue telling the stories of Grinnell for years to come.
     The concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Hotel Grinnell in downtown Grinnell and feature Whiplash, a legendary local classic rock band of the 1990s, playing ‘80s & ‘90s music. The board is also excited to leak the news of a “surprise appearance” by the band, the MoJoS, a 2010 Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductee hailing from Grinnell. Tickets are $75 per person, which includes the concert, appetizers and a beverage. A table of 8 can be reserved for a $550.00. Many thanks to Whiplash and the MoJoS for donating their performances to the museum.
      Tickets may be purchased on the website: grinnellhistoricalmuseum.org. You may also contact the museum by phone at 641-510-1007 or email: [email protected].
      The new museum plans to open to the public in July with hours and activities expected to be announced soon. Admission will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. Children under 5 will be admitted free with an adult. An annual museum membership will include free admission. The membership year starts July 1.