The History Center

The History Center The History Center preserves and tells the story of Linn County, Iowa. The first museum was located at Eighth Ave and First Street in Cedar Rapids.

The History Center began in 1969 as the Linn County Historical Museum Association, formed by several local residents who were interested in permanently preserving the history of Linn County. In the 1990’s we became a professionally accredited museum and named that museum “The History Center.” The organization officially became the Linn County Historical Society. In 1997, a capital campaign began t

o build a new museum at the recently purchased site at First Ave and Sixth Street in downtown Cedar Rapids. The site was formerly Rapids Chevrolet. The new museum was officially opened on June 15, 1999. After careful consideration in 2014, the board of The History Center decided to purchase the Douglas Mansion, which had been donated by the Linge family to the city of Cedar Rapids. The opening of this new location in 2018 will be a new opportunity for The History Center to provide quality programming and exhibits within a building that is a historic treasure itself. You can learn more about our organization and our upcoming move to the Douglas Mansion by visiting our website: historycenter.org

We had a great turn out last night for our author visit with Jesse Thoeming Author! Thank you to all who joined us! Plea...
09/02/2026

We had a great turn out last night for our author visit with Jesse Thoeming Author! Thank you to all who joined us!

Please plan to join us on October 6th for our next author visit with Jennifer Fishwild! You can find information here: www.historycenter.org/authors

Last chance to take advantage of FREE Museum Admission! Weekend Hours:Friday 12:00-4:00 p.m.Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.
08/28/2026

Last chance to take advantage of FREE Museum Admission!

Weekend Hours:
Friday 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.

August is the perfect time to discover Linn County history—for FREE!

Thanks to the generous support of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation Donor-Advised Fund, admission to The History Center is FREE all month long in August!

The History Center
800 2nd Ave. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA

Bring your family, invite a friend, and take advantage of this special opportunity to experience Linn County's history.

Museum Hours:
Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

We can't wait to see you at Spooky Legend of Linn County! ANNOUNCING: Pre-Event Family Craft: Paint a Pumpkin!Kick off ...
08/17/2026

We can't wait to see you at Spooky Legend of Linn County!

ANNOUNCING:
Pre-Event Family Craft: Paint a Pumpkin!
Kick off your evening with a fun fall craft before Spooky Legends of Linn County! Children can paint and decorate their own pumpkin to take home as a festive keepsake. This drop-in activity is perfect for families and a great way to get into the Halloween spirit before the ghost stories begin.

WHEN: October 24th
WHERE: The History Center (800 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA)
PUMPKIN PAINTING STARTS AT 6:00 p.m.
Ghost Stories start at 7:00 p.m.

After creating your masterpiece, stay for Spooky Legends of Linn County, featuring authentic local ghost stories told by storyteller Darrin Crow. Enjoy campfires, s'mores, hot cocoa, Almost Famous Popcorn, and a cash bar.

This is an outdoor event, so please bring a lawn chair.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW, and we expect to sell out!
www.historycenter.org/spooky

Address

800 2nd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA
52403

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 4pm - 8pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13193621501

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The History Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to The History Center:

Shortcuts

Share

Category