McGregor Historical Society Museum

McGregor, Iowa

Now Open

The McGregor Historical Society was organized October 29, 1941. To this group rested the responsibility of caring for museum quality items collected at the Public Library. The Society moved to a building at 245 Main Street, donated to the city by the Richard Myers estate, for the sole purpose of use as a museum.

    Another fact - the McGregor Rifles LTD was incorporated June 6, 1975. A group of seven veterans served as the first directors of the corporation. The purpose of this non-profit organization is to promote responsible citizenship, promote appreciation of the heritage of McGregor, support the efforts of the McGregor Historical Society and instill and advance a sense of pride in the McGregor Community, State and Nation. The McGregor Rifles LTD takes its name from the historical dates found in the museum relating to Co. G of the 21st Regiment entering service in 1862. Later the McGregor States Guards were mustered into the National Guard in 1877. These patriots from McGregor were known as the McGregor Rifles.

    To energize and perpetuate the growth of the McGregor Museum, the McGregor Historical Society and McGregor Rifles joined forces with a new set of by-laws and Mission Statement. New officers were elected in May of 2002. The museum is now under the guidance of the McGregor Historical Society/McGregor Rifles LTD.

All of the artifacts of the museum have been in storage since May of 2001. This storage was necessary to start work on renovating the building. Renovation proved extensive due to the age of the building. A new floor was necessary, the entire front of the building was rebuilt with new windows and frames replicating the originals. Most of the roof was replaced as well as the back wall. Work accomplished to date is of excellent quality.

    To help us with critical decisions at this point we have hired a museum professional to design lighting, display design and a heating, air conditioning, humidity system. All of this work is very expensive. We have had three grants totaling $62,000 which it has taken thus far.

    To finish this project we need to raise a minimum of $60,000 to install ADA/Handicap accessible restrooms, finish side walls, a heating, air conditioning, humidity system and a lighting system.

    We need your help. We have an excellent group of volunteers dedicated to this project. Storage for the artifacts cost $400.00 per month - another sense of urgency. We will send tax-deductible receipts for any donations as well as recording your donation. We will have one of the finest museums in Northeast Iowa upon completion. Priceless items like the Clemens Sand Bottles deserve preservation.

The Museum opened for visitors in 2005 and work continues on displays and cataloging of holdings.