Grout Museum

Grout Museum District
Henry W. Grout Historical Museum

Sign with Logo
Established October 1934
Location 503 South Street
Waterloo, Iowa
Coordinates 42°29′32″N 92°20′38″W / 42.4923°N 92.3440°W
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.

General history

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 Alliance of Museums.[2]

Grout Museum of History & Science

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]

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

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]

Rensselaer Russell House Museum

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]

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

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]

Snowden House

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]

Picture Gallery

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum (2011)
Closeup showing the The Lone Sailor and glass flag (2011)
Rensselaer Russell House (1973)
Snowden House front view (2011)
Snowden House front/side view (2011)


References

  1. Eldridge, Mary Beth. "Brief Biographies of Early Residents of Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa". Retrieved 2008-06-23.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Welcome to the Grout Museum District". Grout Museum District. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  3. Wiser, Mike (June 27, 2011). "Bachmann: "The voice that has been missing."". WCF COURIER.com. Retrieved 2011-06-29.

External links