History on hold in Jasper County

This is one for the history books.

On Tuesday, June 16, board members of the Jasper County Historical Museum voted to not reopen the Newton-based facility for tours or visitors this year, because of concerns surrounding COVID-19.

Because of their age, much of the museum staff, board members and volunteers are considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness stemming from the novel coronavirus. Despite lifted restrictions in Iowa, the pandemic is still ongoing.

Ken Barthelman, executive director of the museum, told Newton News that the decision to close was discussed very seriously amongst board members. He did not see how museum staff could keep volunteers and the public safe.

“It’s difficult to ensure spacing because we don’t have enough people to make sure people stay separated if more than one group comes in,” Barthelman said. “We can’t move exhibits because most are permanently there.”

The museum’s proximity to Interstate 80 exit 164 is also problematic, Barthelman added. From what he and the board can gather, it would be safer for the museum to remain closed for the 2020 season. Staff may still work at the museum.

Prior to the board’s decision, the museum posted on Facebook in late April that it would make a decision about whether to open once the governor allows those facilities to reopen.

Staff also disclosed its acquisition of the Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan, which funded two months of payroll of administrative assistant Cynthia Posts and Barthelman, who works half-time for the museum.

This has allowed Barthelman to continue working on partially completed exhibits

Until next year, the only kind of history lesson residents and other would-be visitors will get from Jasper County Historical Museum staff is a 25-minute video posted on the organization’s Facebook page.

When the museum reopens, Barthelman noted all Jasper County residents will be able enter the facility freely at no charge.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com