| Grout Museum District | |
|---|---|
| Henry W. Grout Historical Museum | |
Sign with Logo |
|
|
Location Waterloo, Iowa
|
|
| Established | October 1934 |
| Location | 503 South Street Waterloo, Iowa |
| Director | Billie Bailey (2011) |
| Curator | Lorraine Ihnen (2011) |
| Website | http://www.groutmuseumdistrict.org |
The Grout Museum District is a set of museums in Waterloo, Iowa. The District consists of the Grout Museum of History & Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House Museum, Snowden House, and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.
Contents |
The museum started with the private collection and endowment of Henry W. Grout, a Waterloo financier and legislator. The original Henry W. Grout Historical Museum was dedicated in October, 1934.[1]
The district is a nonprofit educational entity that is active in engaging the students and all people from the surrounding communities. The district is accredited by the American Association of Museums.[2]
The first museum which would grow into the museum district was displayed for many years in the building that was the local YMCA. The current building was completed and opened to the public as a not for profit museum in 1956.[2]
Opened in November 2008 at a cost of eleven million dollars funded in part by a grassroots campaign by average citizens. This museum is the site for a copy of The Lone Sailor statue, honoring sea service veterans. The statue stands in front of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.[2]
The Rensselaer Russell House, located at 520 W. 3rd Street in Waterloo, Iowa. Built in 1858, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rensselaer and Caroline Russell built the house utilizing Italianate architecture in 1861 for $5,878.83.[2]
The Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium opened in 1993 and provides both interactive exhibits and formal demonstrations in various fields of science.[2]
A two-story brick Victorian era house built in 1875, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was once used as the Waterloo Woman's Club. The front lawn of the house was used for Michele Bachmann's Presidential Candadacy announcement on June 27, 2011.[3]