Jasper County Historical Museum opens 2025 season on May 1 with new displays

Jasper County Historical Museum is going to look a bit different this year. Many of the displays have been altered and updated, and some new exhibits have even been added to pique the interests of returning patrons. Probably one of the biggest changes is the expanded viewings on the Main Street floor.

For years the recreated period home and its accompanying schoolhouse, drug store and other old timey businesses have been closed off and prevented guests from getting a closer look. Museum director Lynne Whelan said those areas are now open to let patrons see all of the small details hiding in the corners.

“You don’t see them unless you can walk back there and see what’s all there,” Whelan said. “… We’ve got all these wonderful things on display now so you can see them. I got my exhibit committee together and said, ‘What do you folks want to do?’ They said they wanted to change some things. ‘Well, great! Let’s do that!’”

Other noticeable changes include the Victorian parlor being set up for a funeral or wake, complete with flowers, hymnals and black drapes covering portraits and mirrors. The Maytag Toy Racer has been moved to the first floor. The Rocky Marciano tribute has some notable additions, too. It feels like a new experience.

Whelan describes herself as an organizer, and she wanted the museum to avoid looking like a storage unit. She also wanted to showcase historic items that had been either stored away or hidden from public view. Whelan is also the type of person who wants to see follow-thru, and the museum is moving in that direction.

Perhaps one of the more notable new exhibits is the Maytag room. Whelan said the room’s purpose is to show that the company did more than just manufacture washing machines and blue cheese. The Maytag family formed an airline, brewed beer, wine and spirits and even produced automobiles.

“Maytag was not just about washing machines,” Whelan said. “They will be astounded. Maytag was so big. So many of these things were here in Newton.”

Whelan hopes guests find their visit to the Jasper County Historical Museum fascinating.

“This is neat stuff that you don’t think about until you trip over it,” she said.

The museum officially opens for the season May 1.

Tours are held 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, except for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. People are encouraged to call ahead for large group tours at 641-792-9118. The season ends Sept. 30. Jasper County residents are admitted free of charge.

Out-of-county adults pay $10, students ages 11-18 enter at $5 and children ages 10 years and under have free admission.