Last updated: 8/2/2017
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Address
716 Oakland Road NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52042
phone: 319-362-1501
e-mail: office@historycenter.org
web: historycenter.org

Hours

Office and Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday
10 AM - 4 PM
Access to the Archives by appointment only. Please call 319-362-1501.

Admissions

Free. Donations Accepted.

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Jason S. Wright
phone:
Jami Roskamp
phone:
Description
Offices and Library

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center is the historical heart of Linn County, Iowa. Permanent exhibits on the growth and development of the county, as well as temporary exhibits that focus on the historical significance of items in the museum's collection, bring history alive for visitors of all ages. The center is also home to an extensive historical archive/library where scholars, students, local government officials and geneologists can conduct research.

Mission

To Preserve, Interpret, Present and Share the History of Linn County, Iowa

History

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center began in 1969 as the Linn County Historical Museum Association. From its early beginnings preserving the history of Linn County has been prominent in the hearts and minds of its volunteers.

By the early 1990's the Linn County Historical Museum Association had become the Linn County Historical Society and The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center was a museum on Eighth Avenue at First Street in Cedar Rapids.

As additional professional staff was hired, the goals of the museum became more ambitious. In 1997, a capital campaign began to build a new museum on First Avenue and Sixth Street.

On June 15, 1999, The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center opened its doors and helped the city of Cedar Rapids celebrate its Sesquicentennial. The past year has brought almost 28,000 people through the doors of The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center and 5,400 students have participated in its programs.

Artifact Collections

Linn County personal and business memorabilia

Research Collections

Donated personal correspondence, county and city records, extensive historical photo collection, news items

Educational Programs

Historical Exhibitions, Monthly Children's Programming - "Memory Makers," gallery tours tailored to the age and interests of the audience, special event and lecture programs featuring local historians and authors

Facilities
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Governance

Linn County Historical Society

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Publications
Annual report printed every January.
Facility brochures available.
Services
Facility Rental

Planning a meeting, client presentation, private party or other event? Why not think of the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center? The Carl and Mary Koehler History Center’s dramatic interior architecture provides an event space different from any other in the Cedar Rapids area. For more facility rental information, please contact Mike Crist

Research

The Linge Library and Research Center at the Carl & Mary Koehler History Center offers patrons a number of resources to assist with research related to the history of Linn County, Iowa. If you are researching the location of a past business, or you just want to know more about Linn County, Iowa, perhaps our researchers can help. Admission to the Linge Library is by donation and are always appreciated. Volunteers are available to do research for patrons at the rate of $20.00 per hour. Rates for copying and mailing research are in addition to research fees. Friends of the history Center receive the first hour of research (per year) free of charge.

Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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