Plymouth County Historical Museum

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

The Plymouth County Historical Museum is pleased to announce that its annual Great Garage and Bake Sale will take place October 14 through 18, 2026. The event is one of the museum's key fundraisers, with proceeds supporting the preservation and operation of the museum and its exhibits.

Donations Needed: The museum is currently in need of donations of household goods, furniture, small appliances, and home decor for this year's sale. Community support makes a real difference, and early donations are especially appreciated. Donations are being accepted now during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Please note that clothing donations cannot be accepted for this sale. Volunteers to help staff the event are also welcome and appreciated.

The sale will feature a wide selection of household goods, furniture, small appliances, and home decor, as well as a variety of homemade baked goods, including cookies, breads, bars, and pies. Community members are encouraged to stop by early for the best selection.

The Great Garage and Bake Sale will be held in the "Old Central" gym at the Plymouth County Historical Museum, 335 1st Avenue NW, Le Mars, IA 51031.

This year's sale schedule is:
• Wednesday, October 14 — Preview Night, 5 to 7 p.m. ($5 admission fee)
• Thursday, October 15 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, October 16 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, October 17 — Half Price Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 18 — Free Day, 1 to 3 p.m.

Mini Susie’s Food Truck will be on site Saturday, October 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., adding to the day's Half Price Day festivities.

For more information about the 2026 Great Garage and Bake Sale, including donation drop-off and volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Jennifer Scholten
Administrator
Plymouth County Historical Museum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 712.546.7002

08/18/2026

Suffragettes campaigning to amend the U.S. Constitution. | photo source: Library of Congress

Today we honor the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote, ratified on August 18, 1920! This national constitutional amendment had first been proposed in Congress in 1878, and in every Congressional session after that.

Although women had the right to vote in several states even before 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution—ratified on August 18, 1920, by Tennessee, the last state needed to meet the three-fourths quota—allowed for universal women’s suffrage throughout the country starting with the presidential and other down-ticket elections that November.

08/17/2026

The Weber Windmill is upright again. Just a little finishing paint and she will be ready for a fun ribbon cutting event. Stay tuned for more info on that!

MANY thanks to Eddie and the two Jims (Rohfs & Wess) for all the hard work on this project.

Glorious. Simply Glorious!!

08/15/2026

The Plymouth County Historical Museum will host author Jeff Harstad for a special program and book signing on Saturday, September 12, at 2:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Fourth-Floor Study Hall at the museum.

Harstad will discuss his book, Mirage in the Sand, and will be available to sign copies for attendees following his talk. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event for $24.99.

Harstad is a U.S. Army combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and author from Sioux City, Iowa. He enlisted the day after 9/11 and served as an infantryman with the 3rd Infantry Division during the early years of the Global War on Terror, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant.

Told through memory, letters, and reflection, Mirage in the Sand explores what it meant to grow up inside a war that few understood, and many would never see. It is not a tale of distant legends or polished narratives, but of real soldiers navigating heroism, dysfunction, loyalty, loss, and the quiet moments in between.

The community is invited to attend and hear Jeff Harstad's story firsthand. Refreshments will be served at this Complimentary Event.

08/13/2026

Quilts of Valor Exhibit: Closes Sunday, August 16

Just a reminder that the Quilts of Valor Exhibit closes this Sunday, August 16 at 5pm. Special thanks to all who allowed us to feature their beautiful quilts and artifacts throughout the summer of America 250.

Our team will reach out directly to each contributor over the next few weeks. We will let you know when your quilt and/or other artifacts are prepared and ready for pickup.

Again, thank you for contributing to a meaningful exhibit at the Plymouth County Historical Museum.