West Concord Historical Society

09/05/2026

Bust a move and groove to the music! Join West Concord's own graceful and stylish dancing couple, Karen Johnson and Doug Krueger, for a short dancing demo at 6:30, and then open dancing for everyone who enjoys it! Dig it?!

It's all happening Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 at the "Cruisin'
Main Street at the Museum" fundraiser. $25 per person, appetizers that will make a meal, and a cash bar. West Concord Historical Society, 600 West First Street. Please make your reservations by next Friday, September 11, so we can let our caterer know our numbers. Stop by the Museum next week or call 507-527-2628 to make your reservations.

IT'LL BE A BLAST!!!

09/04/2026

Are you a classic car owner looking for somewhere fun to drive your car? Why not "cruise in" to our Main Street at the Museum Fundraiser? There will be a special place to park and you will be warmly welcomed with a free drink at our Flame Room bar.
Here are the details: Saturday, September 26, 4 to 7 at the West Concord Historical Society, 600 West First Street. $25.00 per person. Help us raise $$$ to complete two new display rooms.
Registration deadline: Friday, September 11th. Please call 507-527-2628 for more information or stop by the museum between 9:30 and 1:30 weekdays next week.

We would love to have you join us. We all know, "They just don't build 'em like they used to!"

08/30/2026

It's happenin'! Come crash with us at the Museum for our "Cruisin' Main Street at the Museum event." If dressing in 50's style isn't hip to you, then why not 60's style?

We cruised up and down Main Street in the 50's AND 60's. It'll be out of sight if you join us on Saturday, September 26 from 4 to 7 at the Museum. Hang loose and make your reservations with the Museum by Friday, September 11 so that we can put our catering order in. It'll be an unreal fundraiser for two new display rooms at the Museum--$25.00 per person. Call 507-527-2628 or stop by the Museum to make reservations. (Costumes are optional but there will be a prize for the best one)
It'll be FAR OUT if you're there!!!!

08/29/2026

These two delightful women have given so much to the community of West Concord through the years. We know they'd love to see you at their 90th birthday celebration to which you're invited. Happy birthday, Darleen and Margaret, from your friends at the Historical Society!

08/27/2026

The exercise class scheduled to start Monday in the WCHS gym has been POSTPONED due to the ongoing mitigation work.
We will notify you when we can reschedule.

Send a message to learn more

08/22/2026

Do you think it's fun to dress in the style of another time? If you do, get ready to celebrate "Cruisin' Main Street at the Museum" on Saturday, September 26. There will be a prize for best 50's/60's attire. If that's not your thing, no worries, it's optional and there will be plenty of us in our regular 2026 clothes. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 11. It's a fundraiser so come help your local history museum and meet your neighbors all at the same time. It will be groovy!

08/19/2026

The last day of Water Exercise at the pool is Friday, August 28. WHY STOP WORKING OUT??? Keep your routine going now that you've made the habit all summer. Join us at the Historical Society gym with the same schedule: MWF 8 - 8:45 a.m. Use the Museum entrance at the center of the building on First St.

Our exercise will be no to low impact exercise with some chair exercise--working on stretching, flexibility, tone, and balance.
Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes--no crocs or flip-flops for safety, please. Please bring: your water bottle, a swim-sized towel, and a couple of light hand weights if you want.

Cost: a $1.00 donation per class to the Historical Society is suggested. The Historical Society and instructor hold no responsibility for injury. Exercise at your own level, effort, and ability. I will collect your name and phone number for text communication if needed.

September class dates: 2, 4, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30. I'll be out of town 21, 23, 25. No class Labor Day, the 7th.
Questions? Call 319-239-4539--Karen Johnson

08/19/2026

Here's the original photo that was used for the colorized picture of Main Street West Concord, early 1900s.

08/12/2026

Enjoy this colorized photo of northwest Main Street in West Concord in the early 1900s. Our friend, Emery Kleven, took our black and white photo and colorized it with AI's assistance. It's not perfect--note the telephone pole--but it gives us a good idea of what Main Street looked like back then. Lots of dust with those dirt streets! Just think of those days when West Concord had several department stores and a music store--wow!

08/04/2026

The first of the top 5 reasons to join us for our Cruising' Main Street Event at the Museum on Saturday, September 26: Come relax on the Museum's newly created Main Street. Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar with your friends and neighbors on the "Street" or in the lovely Flame Room. Get to know your community and your very special local history museum. Mail or stop by the Museum to make your reservations no later than Friday, September 11. It will be fun!!!!!!