May 14, 2024
The Grinnell Historical Museum is delighted to announce three significant contributions totaling $120,000 from valued partners committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of Grinnell.
Since 1965, the Grinnell Historical Museum has been a pillar of cultural preservation and education, showcasing the rich heritage and colorful stories that have shaped the community’s past and helped define its future. The capital campaign, launched in May 2023, will expand the Museum’s reach beyond its current Victorian home on Broad Street in Grinnell. The new museum space at 703 First Avenue will feature displays for large agricultural items, allow proper space to intake and catalogue donations, provide climate-controlled storage for items not on display, and create an accessible museum space for patrons of all abilities for education, tourism, and engagement with Grinnell’s rich history.
Grinnell College, which has been part of the community for over 150 years, committed $75,000 to the project. “Grinnell College is proud to partner with the Historical Museum and other community stakeholders to help bring their vision to fruition. We appreciate the Museum’s focus on education, preservation, and bringing the community’s history and stories to a new generation,” says Monica Chavez-Silva, Vice-President of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning. “We’re honored that the museum will dedicate a classroom in the college’s name. The new space will allow many future collaborations, assist with traveling exhibits, and engage students, residents, and visitors.”
Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the reinsurance company, Grinnell Mutual, has contributed $20,000 to the museum expansion project. Founded in 1909, Grinnell Mutual has also played a key role in the history of Grinnell. “This gift demonstrates our continued dedication to helping community partners succeed. We appreciate the Museum’s mission of promoting historical awareness and understanding and we are proud to support their efforts to preserve the history of the community we have long been a part of,” says Barb Baker, Director of Community Relations and Advertising for Grinnell Mutual.
Additionally, the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation along with the Ahrens grandchildren Julie Gosselink, Michael and Susan Witt, and Chad Ahrens have generously donated $25,000 to the campaign, highlighting their commitment to investing in initiatives that celebrate and preserve Grinnell’s story. “As successful entrepreneurs and enthusiastic supporters of community and philanthropy, I think my grandparents would be thrilled that we’re able to support this project,” says Julie Gosselink, President of the Family Foundation. The museum will highlight business and industry that have been key to Grinnell’s growth and sustainability.
“We are immensely grateful for the support of Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance, and the Ahrens Foundation and their grandchildren,” said Ann Igoe, Coordinator of the Grinnell Historical Museum Campaign and long-time board member and volunteer at the museum. “These generous contributions came at a key time to help us meet an early goal so we can fully utilize a recent grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. This boost to our campaign will enable us to expand our exhibits, enhance educational programs, and reach a broader audience, ensuring that Grinnell’s vibrant history remains accessible and relevant for generations to come.”
Work is already under way at the new location on First Avenue, the former site of Uhlmann’s Furniture. With a target opening date of April 2025, the board is moving quickly to prepare the site for renovation. Repair of water mains, upgrading restroom facilities, replacing the roof and insulation, and upgrading the windows are just a few of the projects that have already begun. The campaign is halfway to its $1.5 million goal and is looking forward to welcoming the community to explore its exhibits, attend educational programs, and engage in the preservation of our shared heritage. To help meet that goal, donations can be made to Campaign 703 online at www.greaterpcf.org. Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation is assisting the Grinnell Historical Committee with the campaign.
For media inquiries, please contact: Grinnell Historical Museum – Ann Igoe, Campaign Coordinator – 641-236-7827 – grinnellhistoricalmuseum@gmail.com – grinnellhistoricalmuseum.org
