About Us

History

Grinnell was established in 1854, and since its frontier days, it has become the “Jewel of the Prairie” through the power of an economy based in manufacturing and agriculture and by noteworthy entrepreneurs, abolitionists, and academics. The Grinnell Historical Museum was founded in 1952 as a volunteer-run organization which has always been well supported by the community. The McMurray House was purchased in 1966 and has been the museum’s home base ever since. In 2022, the museum purchased a former furniture store located at 703 First Avenue in Grinnell. This space is being renovated to become a modern museum space. Watch for our opening date in 2025!

Board of Trustees

Tamara Beauboeuf
Bruce Blankenfield
Doug Cameron
Scott Gruhn
Mike Guenther
Allison Haack
Bill Hammen
Ann Igoe
Barb Lease
Rita Mertens
Debbie Pohlson
Frank Shults
Rebecca Simpson
Jackie Stoakes
Sherry Wallace