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Historical Society reports rising visitors, program growth and cancelled national internship grant
Summary
The Johnson County Historical Society told supervisors it increased visitation and collections work in 2024, expanded programming at the Historic Poor Farm, and lost a planned intern grant after a federal funding reduction.
Alex McKendree, executive director of the Johnson County Historical Society, updated the Johnson County Board of Supervisors on the society’s 2024 activity and 2025 plans, including programs at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, ongoing collections management and outreach.
Highlights and numbers: McKendree told the board the society had more than 1,300 visitors across its sites in 2024, manages roughly 13,759 artifacts, and handled more than 107 research inquiries. The society now staffs three people (one shared with the Antique Car Museum of Iowa) and reported 557 visitors specifically at the Poor Farm site in 2024.
Programs and accessibility: The society participates in Museums for All, a national program that lets SNAP/EBT cardholders visit for reduced admission; McKendree said membership and outreach programs are being expanded and that the heritage museum offers a reduced $2 adult admission under that program.
Grant changes: McKendree told supervisors a Silos & Smokestacks / State Historical Society of Iowa intern grant intended to place a paid intern at the Poor Farm was terminated April 4 after a cut to designated federal funding. He said the society will continue the planned work but with reduced resources and will continue recruiting volunteers and other support.
Poor Farm activity and outreach: The society has revised its tour script to reflect new access to multiple buildings and has been integrating tours with partners and school programs. McKendree said the Society will convene a historic resources group and recruit dedicated volunteers for the Poor Farm; the site will also be featured in an Iowa Garden Foundation statewide tour in September.
Ending: Supervisors thanked the society for its work. McKendree asked the board for continued partnership while the society pursues alternative support for the intern program and expanded outreach.
