Blue Rapids Historical Society and Museum

Goal: $30,000.00

Specific Need

Next Projects

• Replacing the front door and back double-door unit that goes into our storage area. This will help seal our building and control our humidity issues.
• Continued and on-going project of basement walls which contribute to our humidity issues
• Sub-flooring and tile replacement in the kitchen
• Arlington Gardens plan for east of building with shrubs and perennials north of the mural
• Possible expansion of the HVAC system to replace older units

Technology

• Automatic Lighting system
• Card reader for gift shop

How we have used funds recently:

We replaced the front windows with energy efficient, UV protective windows from Manko Window Systems of Manhattan. Our new door project should expand on this efficiency and help with the humidity.

We are currently getting bids for heating and AC in the back of the building, especially in our donation storage room and work room so volunteers can use it more comfortably in the winter and heat of the summer. This involves ductwork and new units. While addressing this issue we realize that maybe our entire HVAC system may need replacing.

A generous individual donation purchased new computers and colored printer for our data entry system.

The Blue Rapids Historical Society would appreciate any and all donations to help with the preservation of our historical building, along with our efforts through the organization and the museum to preserve, exhibit, and celebrate the history of Blue Rapids and the surrounding area of Marshall County. It is only through the generosity of donors like you that we continue to exist and thrive.

Pie-in-the-sky-  An endowment that supports the  day to day costs and maintainance, allowing donations to go to exhibits, programs and history related activities.

Mission

The Blue Rapids Historial Society and Museum safeguards the memories of our community through preservation, exhibits, genealogy collections and public programs for the enjoyment of our community and the education and inspiration of our future generations.

Profile

The Blue Rapids Museum, established in 2005, preserves the history of Blue Rapids and surrounding community including numerous ghost towns. It is a gathering place for locals interested in genealogy, research, and local history with a collection of diaries, genealogical and house files, artifacts and notebooks compiled of local history topics.

 Special collections reflect points in time for Blue Rapids history: from the roots of the town in 1870 to the geology of the nearby gypsum mines; from the one-room schoolroom to Blue Rapids High School memorabilia; from the historic baseball game played here in 1913 to Valley Heights sports records. The military exhibit is one of the largest in the county dating back to the Civil War. One-of-a-kind permanent exhibits include an Ice Age display, a life-sized diaorama featuring a replica of the Donner-Reed Party covered wagon and a quilt and textiles display with antique sewing machines and numerous signature quilts with their stories. Temporary exhibits change out on a regular basis so visitors will always see new and different exhibits and artifacts.

Many groups use the museum on a regular basis. Every Tuesday the accessions committee members gather to accession and organize new and previous artifacts into the ever-changing system. Monthly groups include quilters, artists, and genealogy enthusists. Special events are often scheduled relating to the current exhibits. Several have included re-enactors, lectures on special topics, and tours with demonstrations of past skills and crafts

The museum is an integral part of the Blue Rapids social and cultural arena. The building is a gathering place for luncheons, meetings, reunions and parties. The Blue Rapids Museum is open 8 hours per week, plus anytime volunteers are present.  Appointments are possible outside regular hours.