|
Montgomery County Historical
Society
2700 N 4th Street
Red Oak, Iowa 51566
(Just 1 block north of Highway 34)
Open Tuesday through Sunday
1-5 PM or by appointment (712) 623-2289
The History Center is a combination of local history museum and an education and research facility. Exhibits relating to Montgomery County history as well as area and state history are on display with new exhibits and programs planned during the year.
History Center and Museum
Historical societies with their activities and exhibition of artifacts help us understand our past, establish our identity as a community, and guide us in our course for the future. They serve to
educate our citizens about themselves.
You are invited to learn more about our county, and to become a part of making history a part of community life by your membership and support of the Society and its activities. Memberships
support the work of the society and bring members newsletters and privilege to use the facility.
Annual Memberships July 1-June 30
- Family $10.00
-
Sustaining $100
Research:
The MCHS staff will do historical
lookups and research our resources for a donation of $10.00 and a self
addressed stamped envelope (SASE). The donation will include copies, unless we
are asked to do a large quantity (10 or more copies). If the research question
is extensive, we will see what help is available for you. Genealogy questions
are referred to Bill Smith.
- The Thos. D. Murphy Company A Legacy of Calendar Art
- The Prairie
- The First Iowans. Indians from ancient times to statehood
- The Settlers 1853-1870
- Agricultural History
Programs are held throughout the year on subjects of interest, there is no admission fee.
There is a meeting space where seating is available for up to fifty persons. A quiet library provides a place for review of materials on reserve for local research. Handicap accessible rest rooms. Groups of 45 can be accommodated with reservations. See contact information below.
The Thos. D. Murphy Exhibit
A Legacy of Calendar Art
In 1889 the first advertising art calendar was produced in Red Oak, Iowa. In the next one hundred years calendar art became a permanent part of the American Scene.
This exhibit features original equipment from the Thos. D. Murphy Company, a Gordon press, a proof press, and sets of antique file drawers with the variety of type used when advertising copy
was set by hand. On exhibit also are original calendars including the work of Arthur Elsley, R.Atkinson Fox, James Dobson and others
Located on the County Fair grounds
North 4th Street, Red Oak
By appointment: Faye or Dick Mullenix [712.623.5525]
The Society has preserved the Pittsburg School which is one of the earliest county one room schools and contains many records of individuals and school houses in the county.
The Cozad Cabin has been rescued and restored and is located near the school house. The cabin dates to 1866 and is fitted as a family might have lived in the 1860s.
About the Montgomery County Historical Society
The Society is governed by a publicly elected board chosen at an annual meeting in June of each year. It is a 501 3 (c) non profit organization. For additional information or appointments to visit contact:
- Bettie McKenzie Volunteer Committee chair
- Nancy Murphy (712) 623-5531
Or write to:
The Montgomery County Historical Society
Post Office Box 634
Red Oak, Iowa 51566
Among the research projects sponsored by the Historical Society has been a comprehensive study of the county churches, county schools, Military history of WWI, and the organization of the
history and an exhibit of calendar art of the Thos. D. Murphy Company.
|