Preserving Shelby County's Story: A Look Inside the Historical Museum
From storing artifacts in garages to preserving historic log cabins, the Shelby County Historical Museum has grown from a passionate community club into a vital cultural institution. Through exhibits, genealogy resources, and free programming, it preserves and shares the rich heritage of rural Iowa.
Where Family History Meets Community Heritage
When the Shelby County Historical Society first formed in 1964, its founding members gathered in living rooms and stored precious historical artifacts in garages and attics across town. Today, the Shelby County Historical Museum stands as a testament to their vision, housing everything from a two-headed calf to military memorabilia in its two exhibit buildings and a pair of recently restored log cabins, carefully preserved to honor their historical significance.
From Society to Museum: A Community's Collection Finds Its Home
The journey from historical society to established museum reflects the deep commitment of Shelby County residents to preserving their heritage. Founded by over fifty passionate citizens on January 25, 1965, the society began by collecting historical objects and documents wherever they could find space. Their dedication paid off in 1976 when, supported by bicentennial funding, they opened the museum's first building at 1805 Morse Avenue in Harlan.
We deeply appreciate our community, our members, and the founders who built this organization, our goal is to make history accessible to everyone—that's why the majority of our events are free to the public.
A Living Archive of Local Heritage
The museum's collection spans an impressive range of artifacts that tell the story of rural Iowa life. From farming implements to household items, each piece helps paint a picture of the county's past. One of the museum's most significant draws is the Wayne Alwill genealogy research center, which helps visitors explore their family histories.
Family history has always been a cornerstone of our community, and that has greatly influenced the museum's growth and development. The Historical Museum strives to connect local history with the broader story, helping visitors understand how larger events and influences shaped life here in Shelby County.
Community Support Drives Preservation
The museum's recent log cabin preservation project exemplifies the strong community backing it enjoys. The $120,000-130,000 project was funded almost entirely through private donations and grants, with community members both local and abroad stepping up to support the preservation of these historic structures.
The museum operates with a small but dedicated team, including a nine-person board of directors and 15-20 regular volunteers who assist with everything from digitizing collections to maintaining the facilities. This volunteer support allows the museum to continue offering free admission to its exhibits and most events.
Looking Forward While Preserving the Past
The museum continues to evolve in its service to the community, offering workshops, special events like the annual Log Cabin Day in June, and educational programming throughout the year. The team works to make history accessible to all, providing resources for teachers, genealogy researchers, and anyone interested in exploring Shelby County's rich heritage.
Visit the Shelby County Historical Museum at 1805 Morse Avenue in Harlan, across from Pioneer Park and the dog park. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Learn more at www.shelbycoiamuseum.org or follow them on Facebook. For information about volunteering or upcoming events, visit their website or call 712-755-2437.
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