Grundy Center Historical Society

06/09/2026

Spielberg movie 'Disclosure Day' and Grundy Center's Connection

The Grundy Center Historical Society is excited about the upcoming premiere of Steven Speilberg's science fiction thriller "Disclosure Day" at Grundy Center's Centre Theatre this weekend and next. There is a definite connection between the movie and Grundy Center. Capt. Edward Ruppelt was born and raised in Grundy Center. He is credited with creating the phrase "Unidentified Flying Objects". Please read the article below for all the details and then head to the theatre to watch the premiere. Grundy Center is probably the only small town theatre in Iowa to have a premiere showing of the movie.

See you at the movies! Grundy Center Historical Society Board

05/30/2026

RAGBRAI Riders: Welcome to Grundy Center, Iowa — where rich history meets the “good life” 🌿

Founded in 1877, Grundy Center was named after Felix Grundy, a distinguished 19th-century lawyer who served as a U.S. Congressman, Senator, and Attorney General under President James Polk. Widely regarded as one of the greatest criminal lawyers of his time, Grundy helped shape early American law and championed westward expansion.

Today, our community of 2,800 residents proudly carries forward that legacy of growth, opportunity, and resilience. With safe streets, top-quality schools, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of neighborly support, Grundy Center offers a lifestyle rooted in both history and heart.

From friendly waves on a bike ride through town to family-friendly activities and local attractions, the “good life” here means something unique to everyone.

Soon you'll discover Grundy Center — and find your own meaning of the good life 💙

05/26/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/01/2026

It's almost wedding season! Are you or someone you love planning a wedding this year?
Weddings through the years have been joyous affairs, weaving together elements of tradition and style that reflect the timeless beauty of love and commitment.
Last summer, the Grundy Center Historical Society exhibited a beautiful display of vintage bridal gowns from the 1900s through the 1980s at the museum. We also featured bridal bouquets, heirloom china, wedding portraits, cakes, histories of wedding traditions and much more. Each dress and photograph had a link to the Grundy Center community.
We're pleased to share a compilation of the dresses and their compelling details that were displayed.

Grundy Center Historical Society Weddings Bridal Gowns Video

03/27/2026

Thanks for the kind words!

03/15/2026

03/02/2026

Are you ready for another episode of our podcast? This month, we're featuring the Grundy Center Fire Department! Our latest exhibit is open to the public and we've interviewed Darrel Shuey and Kevin Kuester, who have both served on the department for over forty years!

YouTube link to watch: https://youtu.be/T3K6OX6DcVk?si=T-mW-9aX_c-gtxLm

Listen here- https://www.grundycenterhistory.org/listen-to-podcasts/episode/31f9f936/grundy-center-firemen-always-ready

Don't miss the GC Firemen Exhibit that will run through the spring and our open house coming up this Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Grundy Center Historical Society Podcasts · Episode

02/23/2026

We are firing up something special at the museum soon! Be sure to check back for our latest exhibit information!

02/16/2026

If you’re enjoying a three-day weekend, you can thank a 1968 bill, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, in which Congress moved the observance of George Washington’s Birthday from each February 22 to the third Monday of the month, marked on most calendars as Presidents Day. The official recognition for Washington began in 1879, eighty years after his death. While it became common practice to mark Abraham Lincoln’s February 12 birthday alongside Washington’s day, the official federal recognition remains “Washington’s Birthday.”
Love a mini-history lesson? The Grundy Center Historical Society museum will be open to the public each Wednesday afternoon, beginning March 4! You’ll never know what you’ll discover!

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day! We hope you enjoyed our series- When Harry Met Sally Sessions- with a few area couples. As you celebrate today, remember St. Valentine whom the holiday is named for. Who was he? According to NPR, Emperor Claudius II of Rome executed two different men named Valentine on February 14 (in two different years) during the third century. One account of St. Valentine says that he was a priest who was arrested for defying a Roman decree that forbade soldiers from marrying. He was executed for the crime of continuing to wed lovers in secret.
Another story says that it was all to do with an imprisoned priest who fell in love with one of his visitors and wrote letters to her. According to History.com, the priest supposedly sent the woman a letter before his ex*****on that he signed off, "From your Valentine."
There is romantic undertones in both of these stories. All we know is that Valentine's Day was named for a martyred St. Valentine. Enjoy the day with your Valentine!