Johnson County Historical Society

At the Johnson County Historical Society, we are passionate about preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of Johnson County, Iowa. Founded in 1967 as the Mormon Trek Memorial Foundation, we initially focused on commemorating the Mormon Handcart Expeditions of 1856 and 1857. Over time, our mission expanded to encompass the broader history of the county, leading to our transformation into the Johnson County Historical Society.

Today, our nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating the public through preservation and interpretation. We manage the Johnson County Historical Museum, located in the highly accessible Xtream Arena at Coralville’s Iowa River Landing, a vibrant venue for community events. In addition to the museum, we also care for and interpret four historic sites: the Plum Grove Historic Home, the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse, and the Coralville Old Town Hall.

Through engaging programs, exhibits, and community involvement, we bring the stories of Johnson County’s frontier life, political influence, and natural beauty to life. Our staff and volunteers are committed to making history accessible and exciting for all ages, ensuring the legacy of Johnson County is preserved for future generations.

Join us in discovering the incredible history of Johnson County!

The Johnson County Historical Society manages their historical museum and four significant historic sites in the area, each offering unique insights into local history. Here’s a brief overview of what you can explore:

• Johnson County Historical Society Museum: Explore the diverse exhibits each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history
• Plum Grove Historic Home: Experience life in the 1840s and 1850s in the home of Iowa’s first governor, Robert Lucas.
• Johnson County Historic Poor Farm: Discover the history of care for the less fortunate from the mid-19th century.
• 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse: Learn about the evolution of education in Coralville from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.
• Coralville Old Town Hall: Explore a building with a rich history of community service and municipal use.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic Plum Grove Historic Home, learning about the evolution of social care at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, or delving into the rich history of education and public service at the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse and Coralville Old Town Hall, each site offers a unique window into the past. By visiting these sites, you not only gain a deeper understanding of Johnson County’s heritage but also contribute to the preservation of our shared history. We invite you to plan your visit and experience the stories that have shaped our community. For detailed information on hours and visiting details, please follow the links provided.

Dive into the rich tapestry of Johnson County’s history with the Johnson County Historical Society’s extensive collections. From aerial photographs capturing the evolution of our landscapes to personal letters revealing the intimate stories of local families, our archives offer a window into the past like no other.

• Historic Atlases and Maps: Trace the growth of Johnson County through detailed atlases and soil maps spanning over a century.
• Personal Collections: Discover unique artifacts like Lucille Burianek’s vintage greeting cards and the Fryauf Harness Shop’s historic tools.
• Oral Histories: Listen to over 100 interviews with Johnson County residents, sharing stories from farm life to wartime experiences.

Access to our collections is available by appointment, ensuring personalized and in-depth research opportunities. Our curatorial staff is here to assist with your research needs and provide up to 15 minutes of free research time to help you get started.

For more detailed research, we offer a range of services, including photocopying and digital reproductions, with a fee schedule available for your reference. Explore the past and connect with the stories that shape our community through the JCHS collections.

For more information or to schedule your research appointment, please contact us.

Join the Johnson County Historical Society and play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the rich history of our community. As a member, you’ll be supporting our efforts to bring to life the captivating stories of Johnson County’s frontier life, political history, and stunning landscapes through engaging programs and exhibits.

Member Benefits

• Special Rates: Enjoy discounted rates for programs and events hosted by the Society.
• Facility Discount: Receive a $25 discount on rentals at the Coralville Old Town Hall.
• National Access: Benefit from Time Travelers reciprocal access to museums across the country.
• Exclusive Updates: Stay informed with our periodic newsletter featuring updates on programs, events, and exhibits.
• Research Perks: Get up to five free black-and-white photocopies (8 ½” x 11” or 8 ½” x 14”), one hour of free research time, and a 10% discount on fees for digital reproductions and licensing.
• Special Offer: Join at the $250/year rate and receive a complimentary copy of our book, All in One Room.

By becoming a member, you’re not only connecting with Johnson County’s past but also ensuring its preservation for future generations. Join us in making a lasting impact on our community’s heritage.

At the Johnson County Historical Society (JCHS), we rely on dedicated volunteers, interns, and community members like you to help us preserve and share the rich history of Johnson County. Whether you’re passionate about history, looking to gain valuable experience, or simply want to give back, we have many opportunities for you to get involved.

Volunteer Opportunities

Board Members

Serve a 3-year term on the JCHS Board, helping guide our organization’s future. Board members attend quarterly meetings, assist with fundraising, and advocate for the museum’s mission. Contact our Executive Director, Alexandra McKendree, for more information.

Plum Grove Volunteer Interpreters

Lead tours of Plum Grove, the historic home of Iowa’s first Territorial Governor, Robert Lucas. Volunteers commit to at least two afternoons (1pm-5pm) a month from May through October. Training provided.

Coralville Schoolhouse Volunteer/Intern Interpreters

Guide visitors through the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse, sharing stories of education in the 1870s and 1940s. Commit to two afternoons (8 hours) per month. Training and materials are provided.

Internships

Gain hands-on experience in museum operations and historical interpretation through our internship programs. Visit our Contact Us page for more details.

Donate

Your donations help us preserve Johnson County’s history. We accept tax-deductible contributions, including artifacts, documents, and memorabilia. For collection donations, check our Collections Policy or contact us for guidance.

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our collections, need information about upcoming events, or want to learn more about becoming a member, feel free to reach out. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing the vibrant history of Johnson County!

Johnson County Historical Society
200 E. 9th St., Suite 101
Xtreme Arena
Coralville, Iowa 52241

(319) 569-4502
admin@johnsoncountyhistory.org

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