About
About Us
The Marion Area Historical Society was founded in 1988 by a group of passionate individuals interested in preserving the rich history of Marion and the surrounding area. The seed was planted with a project by Robert McDevitt's students at Marion High School, which sparked the idea of a dedicated historical society.
Our Mission
From the very beginning, our mission has been twofold:
To collect and preserve historical data and artifacts related to Marion and the surrounding communities, including Caroline, Pella, Grant, Dupont, Wyoming, and Big Falls.
To share this history with the public through our museum exhibits, events, and educational programs.
Our Growth
Over the past 35 years, the Marion Area Historical Society has grown into a highly respected institution. Our historical grounds feature a variety of interesting buildings and artifacts, including:
The Sherry Shop, General Store, Hotel Marion, The Marion Advertiser Building, and the Caroline Implement Building.
Original Chicago Northwestern Depot, complete with waiting rooms and an office, restored with original furnishings.
A Soo Line caboose, a wooden cupola-style caboose retired in 1984.
A one-room log schoolhouse and a log house depicting life around the turn of the century.
An antique windmill, wishing well, and the Marion Band Stand.
A permanent display featuring beautifully crafted items by Harold Wolf, including the Caroline Ballroom, a church, and a blacksmith shop.
A future BABA (Badger Amateur Baseball Association) building to showcase their memorabilia.
Our Events
We hold three major events each year:
Annual Auction in June
Marion Area Historical Society Heritage Day in July, featuring a car show, crafts, live music, tours of our buildings, raffles, food, and refreshments.
"A Christmas Evening in the Museum" in December
These events not only allow us to share our collection with the community but also serve as important fundraisers to support the ongoing maintenance and development of our facilities.
Getting Involved
The Marion Area Historical Society is always looking for new members and volunteers to help us grow. Whether you're interested in history, enjoy working with people, or have a knack for handiwork, there's a place for you in our Society. We also welcome donations to help us with our mission of preserving local history.
Visit Us
Our museum is open the second and fourth Saturday monthly from June through August between 1 and 4 p.m. We are also open by appointment.
For more information, visit us on Facebook or contact us at [insert contact information].
We look forward to welcoming you to the Marion Area Historical Society!
Our Board
Robert Braun - President
Frank Glowinski - Vice President
Tracie Voight - Secretary
Patsy Brandenburg -Treasurer
Donald Arndt
Ken Fritz
Nick LeNoble
Dave Raether
Jeff Jueds
Nathan Knaack
Jackie Stuhr