The Grout Museum District – named after Henry W. Grout – is a set of museums in Waterloo, Iowa. The District consists of the Grout Museum of History & Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House Museum, Snowden House and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.

Grout Museum District
Henry W. Grout Historical Museum
Sign with Logo
EstablishedOctober 1934
Location503 South Street
Waterloo, Iowa
Coordinates42°29′32″N 92°20′38″W / 42.4923°N 92.3440°W / 42.4923; -92.3440
DirectorBillie Bailey (2011)
Public transit accessBus transport  1   8  MET Transit
Websitehttp://www.groutmuseumdistrict.org

General history

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The museum started with the private collection and endowment of Henry W. Grout, a Waterloo financier and legislator. The original Henry W. Grout Historical Museum was dedicated in October 1934.[1]

The district is a nonprofit educational entity and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.[2]

Grout Museum of History & Science

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By the time of his death, Grout had collected over 2,000 objects. He had established an endowment and named trustees to care for his collection, which was displayed for many years at the local YMCA (now the River Plaza building on 4th Street). The current building (503 South Street) was completed in 1956 and opened to the public as a not-for-profit museum.[3]

Rensselaer Russell House Museum

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The Rensselaer Russell House Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest homes in Black Hawk County. Guided tours are available.[4]

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Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum (2011)
 
Closeup showing The Lone Sailor and glass flag (2011)
 
Rensselaer Russell House (1973)
 
Snowden House front/side view (2011)
 
Snowden House front view (2011)

References

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  1. ^ Eldridge, Mary Beth. "Brief Biographies of Early Residents of Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa". Retrieved 2008-06-23.
  2. ^ "Welcome to the Grout Museum District". Grout Museum District. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  3. ^ "History of Museum - Grout Museum District Located in Waterloo, Iowa".
  4. ^ "History of Museum - Grout Museum District Located in Waterloo, Iowa".
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