Setting the Record Straight: Visiting the Grinnell Historical Museum

After decades of teaching French, Vice President Terese Grant needed to set the record straight.

History records, that is.

“I grew up in Iowa, but the appreciation for Iowa’s farmland and what it was like in its original form didn’t set in until I started volunteering here,” says Grant, who helps lead the Grinnell Historical Museum's board.

Having retired from teaching at Grinnell High School, Grant’s story isn’t uncommon. According to Museum Director Bethany Hewlett, museums are often homes for retiring teachers or for those making career changes into informal learning. For Grant and museum visitors, the museum offers a space to learn about Native Americans’ relationship to the land, agriculture in the 1850s, and so much more.

The board, Hewlett, and their “army of volunteers” are the ones spearheading the exhibitions and successes of the Museum. Over the past year, the team has accomplished great feats, from organizing special evening events, hosting field trips, and rotating special exhibitions. This past weekend, people of all ages came out to enjoy a family afternoon full of activities and treats to celebrate the Museum’s one year anniversary in its new location on 703 1st Ave.

“In thinking about this small museum in small town Iowa, I’d say we have exceeded our year-one goals,” says Hewlett. And the accomplishments keep piling up.

In 2026 alone, the museum has already displayed over 10 different history exhibitions, including the culture and stories of the Meskwaki community, the background of early aviation pioneer Billy Robinson, photographs of the 1882 cyclone, and so much more.

“In our old location, we couldn’t have but the same three to four exhibits at a time,” shared board member Debby Pohlson. “But now we can rotate exhibits so that people can come back and learn something new each time.” Most recently, the museum launched an exhibition covering the history of the land and farming, right here in Poweshiek County.

But exactly how do exhibits get made?

There is never a shortage of ideas, but a finalized exhibition comes down to research and execution. First, the board pulls together a committee to conduct research, determine facts to display on museum signage, and collect corresponding photographs.

“We then collect artifacts and print these huge posters to finally piece the exhibit together,” says Pohlson.

What’s on the horizon for future exhibitions? Spoiler alert, but the museum will unveil a quilt exhibit featuring the work of Judy Martin, a Quilters Hall of Famer. Although nationally known, she was born, raised, and now lives in Grinnell!

The museum has undergone a plethora of changes since its grand opening last year, many for the better. Hewlett, who has over a decade of collections experience, has “dragged the team into the world of professional museums,” laughs board member Barb Lease.

Hewlett, for example, introduced one major change to the collections process. “For years, it was practice for people to drop an artifact off and leave us with no information about it, much less the donor,” she says. “So my goal was to streamline collections in order to record and protect people’s stories and histories.”

If you are interested in volunteering with the Grinnell Historical Museum, the team is always looking for people to enter artifacts and collections into their database.

“We also have Grinnell College students volunteer and create lesson plans, too,” describes Hewlett. “Whether for senior groups, clubs, or tour groups wanting to find out more about — for example — the Civil War or World War II. It is great to have these offerings for the community.”

The Grinnell Historical Museum is also finishing clearing the McMurray house, which will be up for sale as the nonprofit organization moves many of its artifacts into the new, much larger venue. Raise your (virtual) paddles here: https://vanmetreauction.com/july-18-19-2026-online-auction/. Also, purchase some Grinnell-themed goods at the Museum’s growing gift shop collection!

The Grinnell Historical Museum is open to visitors Tues.-Fri. from 1-5 PM, and Saturdays 12-4 PM.

Seated Board Members, left to right:

• Debby Pohlson, GHM Board Member
• Barb Lease, GHM Board Member
• Terese Grant, GHM Board Member
• Bethany Hewlett, GHM Executive Director
• Not pictured: Barb Briggs, GHM Board Member

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:

• Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
• Evan Petig — The Grinnellian B&B
• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
• Jon Stratford — B3 Technology
• Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency
• Geneva Knobbe — Grinnell Motors
• Sarah Bacehowski — OnMedia
• Jackie Rhoades — Walmart Grinnell
• Dan McCue — McCue & Associates LLC - American Family Insurance
• Karen Dillon — Grinnell Remodeling
• Ryan Beckman — Beckman Gallery & Gifts
• Parker Anderson — OnMedia
• Desiree Strayer — German Plumbing Heating and Cooling
• Fran Conn