The History Center

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The History Center The History Center preserves and tells the story of Linn County, Iowa. The first museum was located at Eighth Ave and First Street in Cedar Rapids.

The History Center began in 1969 as the Linn County Historical Museum Association, formed by several local residents who were interested in permanently preserving the history of Linn County. In the 1990’s we became a professionally accredited museum and named that museum “The History Center.” The organization officially became the Linn County Historical Society. In 1997, a capital campaign began to build a new museum at the recently purchased site at First Ave and Sixth Street in downtown Cedar Rapids. The site was formerly Rapids Chevrolet. The new museum was officially opened on June 15, 1999. After careful consideration in 2014, the board of The History Center decided to purchase the Douglas Mansion, which had been donated by the Linge family to the city of Cedar Rapids. The opening of this new location in 2018 will be a new opportunity for The History Center to provide quality programming and exhibits within a building that is a historic treasure itself. You can learn more about our organization and our upcoming move to the Douglas Mansion by visiting our website: historycenter.org

It's Free For All Week!The History Center is excited to participate in Free For All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week, Oc...
10/23/2026

It's Free For All Week!

The History Center is excited to participate in Free For All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week, October 19–25!

We're proud to join arts and cultural organizations across Linn County in celebrating the creativity, history, and culture that make our community so special.

This county-wide celebration is a wonderful opportunity to explore local museums, discover new experiences, and connect with the incredible organizations that enrich our community.

Come explore The History Center and discover the stories that make Linn County unique — for FREE!

A special thank you to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for making this celebration possible!

Museum Hours October 19 - 25:
Tuesday 10/20 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10/22 CLOSED for Private Event
Friday 10/23 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10/24 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Do you have your tickets for Spooky Legends of Linn County this Saturday? We highly recommend pre-purchasing your ticke...
10/22/2026

Do you have your tickets for Spooky Legends of Linn County this Saturday? We highly recommend pre-purchasing your tickets to guarantee entrance.

Family Craft: Paint a Pumpkin!
Kick off your evening with a fun fall craft before Spooky Legends of Linn County! Children can paint and decorate their own pumpkin to take home as a festive keepsake. This activity is perfect for families and a great way to get into the Halloween spirit before the ghost stories begin.

Pumpkin painting starts at 6:00 p.m.
Program starts at 7:00 p.m. on The History Center lawn

Tickets are $6.00 general admission
This is an outdoor event. Please bring a lawn chair.

Spooky Legends of Linn County is generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.

www.historycenter.org/spooky

Reminder! The museum will be closed tonight, Oct. 22nd for a private event.
10/22/2026

Reminder! The museum will be closed tonight, Oct. 22nd for a private event.

Please note, the museum will be closed this Thursday, October 22nd for a private event.

Tara Templeman, our Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Kelly Hajek, our Registrar & Visitor Services Specialist enjoyed...
10/21/2026

Tara Templeman, our Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Kelly Hajek, our Registrar & Visitor Services Specialist enjoyed attending the Iowa Museum Association conference on Ames this week!

It's Free For All Week!The History Center is excited to participate in Free For All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week, Oc...
10/20/2026

It's Free For All Week!

The History Center is excited to participate in Free For All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week, October 19–25!

We're proud to join arts and cultural organizations across Linn County in celebrating the creativity, history, and culture that make our community so special.

This county-wide celebration is a wonderful opportunity to explore local museums, discover new experiences, and connect with the incredible organizations that enrich our community.

Come explore The History Center and discover the stories that make Linn County unique — for FREE!

A special thank you to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for making this celebration possible!

Museum Hours October 19 - 25:
Tuesday 10/20 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10/22 CLOSED for Private Event
Friday 10/23 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10/24 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.

www.historycenter.org

Please note, the museum will be closed this Thursday, October 22nd for a private event.
10/19/2026

Please note, the museum will be closed this Thursday, October 22nd for a private event.

EXHIBIT OPENING THIS FRIDAY, October 23rd! Skogman: Building Communities Creating OpportunitiesIn 1943, Erick Skogman mo...
10/19/2026

EXHIBIT OPENING THIS FRIDAY, October 23rd!

Skogman: Building Communities Creating Opportunities
In 1943, Erick Skogman moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to remodel apartments for defense workers. Just two years later, his son Roy joined him. Over the next 80 years, Skogman Homes built more than 13,000 homes across Iowa, earning a reputation for excellent quality, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, and the best home value in the Midwest.

Today, Skogman has developed neighborhoods across Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids. Skogman has expanded to include new construction, residential and commercial realty, insurance, remodeling and repair, and apartments and storage.

Throughout its history, Skogman has stayed true to its guiding philosophy: creating communities built on Relaxation, Friendship, and Family. More than a century after Nels Skogman first picked up his tools, the mission remains the same: to deliver lasting value.

www.historycenter.org

Address

800 2nd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA
52403

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 4pm - 8pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13193621501

Website

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