The Granger House Victorian Museum

The Granger House Victorian Museum The Granger House (1848) and its associated carriage house (1879) exist today. The Granger House Victorian Museum is a snapshot in time from the Victorian Era.

Located in Marion, Iowa, the house was built in 1848 and added onto until 1880. You can also visit Events/Tours tab on our website for available dates, times and specialty events. Weekday tours are by appointment only. Please email us with your request.

Self-Guided tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, so join us at the museum!
02/02/2025

Self-Guided tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, so join us at the museum!

Groundhog Day History:On February 2, 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, is celebrated for the first ...
02/02/2025

Groundhog Day History:

On February 2, 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, is celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s K**b in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, it gets scared and runs back into its burrow, predicting six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring.

Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal—the hedgehog—as a means of predicting weather. Once they came to America, German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State.

In 1887, a newspaper editor belonging to a group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney called the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club declared that Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, was America’s only true weather-forecasting groundhog. The line of groundhogs that have since been known as Phil might be America’s most famous groundhogs, but other towns across North America now have their own weather-predicting rodents, from Birmingham Bill to Staten Island Chuck to Shubenacadie Sam in Canada.

According to the calendar, the first day of spring (spring equinox) is six weeks from today, so no matter if Phil sees his shadow or not, we still have to wait. With the equinox, we will enjoy the increasing sunlight hours, with earlier dawns and later sunsets. Only 46 more days!

It's the first day of February and we're starting off with a year full of events, presentations and specialty tours!  We...
02/01/2025

It's the first day of February and we're starting off with a year full of events, presentations and specialty tours! We have a couple of presentations coming up this month, as well as it being our last month for the $5.00 self-guided tours.

♥ Saturdays and Sundays: Self-Guided Tours 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

♥ Saturday, February 8: Love and Flowers! presentation at 4:00 pm

♥ Sunday, February 16: 'It's About Time' presentation at 3:00 pm

We also have a couple of rentals this month as well. Did know you that you can rent the museum for your special event or gathering? You can! Just email us at [email protected] for details, or visit the Rentals tab on our website https://grangerhouse.org/rentals.

We'll see you soon at the museum!

It's another beautiful day out, so why not make a 🛑 stop at the museum?!! We are hosting tours from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ...
01/26/2025

It's another beautiful day out, so why not make a 🛑 stop at the museum?!!

We are hosting tours from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. See you soon!

What a beautiful day to get out and about!  Make a point of visiting the museum today for a self-guided tour.  We are op...
01/25/2025

What a beautiful day to get out and about! Make a point of visiting the museum today for a self-guided tour. We are open from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Enjoy the sunshine 🌞

Baby, it's cold outside but it's oh so warm inside the museum!  Tours are happening from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm!
01/19/2025

Baby, it's cold outside but it's oh so warm inside the museum! Tours are happening from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm!

It may be chilly outside, but it's nice and toasty inside the museum!   $5 self-guided tours are happening today from 1:...
01/18/2025

It may be chilly outside, but it's nice and toasty inside the museum! $5 self-guided tours are happening today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Did you all take a few minutes to admire that beautiful Wolf Moon this morning?  Along with the light dusting of snow, i...
01/14/2025

Did you all take a few minutes to admire that beautiful Wolf Moon this morning? Along with the light dusting of snow, it made for a great photo opportunity.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Add us to your list of stops today!  $5 self-guided tours are taking place from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.While you're there, p...
01/12/2025

Add us to your list of stops today! $5 self-guided tours are taking place from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

While you're there, pick up your copy of The Granger Diaries! We look forward to seeing you.

The holiday decorations are down and the museum is back to its 'ol self !  Another special thank you to Sisters Decorati...
01/11/2025

The holiday decorations are down and the museum is back to its 'ol self !

Another special thank you to Sisters Decorating and their helpers for making the museum holiday ready during November and December! ❤️

We are open today for self-guided tours from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

We keep being asked how you can give back to the museum.  There are several ways, including giving of your time by volun...
01/07/2025

We keep being asked how you can give back to the museum. There are several ways, including giving of your time by volunteering, assisting with simple home improvement projects, yard work during the warmer months and monetarily. If you are interested in joining us with some "hands on" giving, please email us at [email protected] and we can set up a time to meet with you!

If you prefer to make your donation monetarily, you can do so in a couple of ways. We do have a couple of options via the Square or PayPal. A tax donation letter will be provided upon request.

Your valuable time and in-kind donations mean a lot to the museum and in helping to preserve the house and surrounding property. This will ensure that guests will be able to enjoy this historical treasure for years to come. We appreciate your continued love and support of the museum!

https://checkout.square.site/buy/KFAHBENIRZZG3GNHXDDMYGNI

https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=9U68nN0E6vqK8nTlZT_hg7U6Oivbf05mniL-6JOFzTW9JD5C-KhchDPTmXOMVXOhEHmpgv48l_3NId2l

Always thought about visiting us?!  Fun day Sunday means a visit to the museum!  Self-guided tours are happening from 1:...
01/05/2025

Always thought about visiting us?! Fun day Sunday means a visit to the museum!

Self-guided tours are happening from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The museum is located at 970 10th Street in Marion.

We are hosting self-guided tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm!  Get in out of the chill and enjoy a walk through the mu...
01/04/2025

We are hosting self-guided tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm! Get in out of the chill and enjoy a walk through the museum.

🎉 Help us close out the 2024 tour schedule and join us tonight from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm!  🎉Self-Guided Tours are only $5....
12/31/2024

🎉 Help us close out the 2024 tour schedule and join us tonight from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm! 🎉

Self-Guided Tours are only $5.00 with members and children 3 and under remaining free.

As we near the end of 2024, we wanted to send a big heartfelt thank you to those who have supported the museum over this...
12/31/2024

As we near the end of 2024, we wanted to send a big heartfelt thank you to those who have supported the museum over this year by being a member, visiting for a tour, enjoying one of our many presentations or events, attended a vendor market, bringing your families and friends to enjoy the museum by sharing our rental space.

We've enjoyed hearing all of your great stories of past visits and sharing how their grandparents had a house like this and how times were "back then". You continue to share the love and spread the word about this historical gem and we are truly grateful!

Another big thank you to our wonderful volunteers and board members who are truly the key in helping us keep our vision alive by sharing this museum, and how life was in the 1800's, while sometimes adding some modern day flair to what we do.

Did You Know that The Granger House Victorian Museum is on the National Register of Historic Place? We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and staffed strictly by a pool of dedicated volunteers.
We are funded strictly by admissions, memberships, grants and donations. As we approach the end of 2024, please consider The Granger House for a year end tax deductible donation.

There are other ways to support our visions: by attending an upcoming event, becoming a member (we have three levels of membership), or joining us as a volunteer! Please reach out to us via e-mail at [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss more.

We look forward to what the new year will bring to each one of us, and are excited to see you in 2025!

~The Granger House Team

It's a great day to get out of the house and stop by The Granger House for a self-guided tour!   We're hosting from 1:00...
12/29/2024

It's a great day to get out of the house and stop by The Granger House for a self-guided tour!

We're hosting from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you!

There's still time to grab some of that holiday magic by touring the museum before the end of the year! We will have sel...
12/28/2024

There's still time to grab some of that holiday magic by touring the museum before the end of the year!

We will have self-guided tours available today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Happy 178th Birthday, Iowa!  Iowa was admitted to the union as the 29th state on Dec. 28, 1846.  Two years later in 1848...
12/28/2024

Happy 178th Birthday, Iowa!

Iowa was admitted to the union as the 29th state on Dec. 28, 1846.

Two years later in 1848, the original part of The Granger House Victorian Museum was built on the property where it still exists today!

The Missouri River and its tributary, the Big Sioux, form the western border, making Iowa the only U.S. state that has two parallel rivers defining its borders. Iowa is bounded by the states of Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, and Nebraska and South Dakota to the west. Des Moines, in the south-central part of the state, is the capital. The state name is derived from the Iowa Native American people who once inhabited the area.

Slavery was outlawed in Iowa when it obtained statehood in 1846. In the years leading up to the Civil War, many Iowans became involved in the Underground Railroad, and famed abolitionist John Brown used Iowa as a base for his anti-slavery campaigns, 1856-1859.

Nickname: Hawkeye State
Motto: Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.
Tree: Oak
Flower: Wild Rose
Bird: Eastern Goldfinch

*The map is a view of Iowa from 1845 prior to its statehood.

The cameras caught a very special visitor overnight checking out Sisters Decorating’s beautiful decorations throughout t...
12/25/2024

The cameras caught a very special visitor overnight checking out Sisters Decorating’s beautiful decorations throughout the House!
Merry Christmas everyone, what did he leave you under the tree last night? And did you leave cookies and milk?

One of the real joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say Thank You.  We appreciate the support you continue ...
12/24/2024

One of the real joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say Thank You. We appreciate the support you continue to show for the museum and helping us spread the word on how truly special it is.

From all of us at the museum, we wish you a Merry Christmas and hope that your holiday travels, whether near or far, are safe and filled with the spirit of the season, and the love of family and friends.

We look forward to seeing you at the museum!

Today is your last day to take a walk through the museum before Christmas day!  We are welcoming tour guests from 1:00 p...
12/22/2024

Today is your last day to take a walk through the museum before Christmas day! We are welcoming tour guests from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm today.

Don't miss out! Stroll through the seasonally decorated museum. You won't be disappointed 🎄

Tours, tours, tours!  Need a break from holiday shopping and errands?!  Have you driven by multiple times and said "I ne...
12/21/2024

Tours, tours, tours! Need a break from holiday shopping and errands?! Have you driven by multiple times and said "I need to stop there!" Today's the day!

Self-Guided Tours are taking place today at the museum from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm! We look forward to your visit 🎄

Make us a part of your evening outings for a self-guided tour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm!
12/20/2024

Make us a part of your evening outings for a self-guided tour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm!

12/20/2024

We have joined Bluesky! You can find us at .sky.social!

On more day until weeknight self-guided tours, Friday, December 20th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm!  Stop in, enjoy the warm m...
12/19/2024

On more day until weeknight self-guided tours, Friday, December 20th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm! Stop in, enjoy the warm museum and the beautiful holiday decorations!

❄️After a long day of work or school, come in out of the cold and enjoy a self-guided tour through our little piece of history!

⛄️When: Friday, December 20, 2024
⛄️Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

❄️After a long day of work or school, come in out of the cold and enjoy a self-guided tour through our little piece of h...
12/18/2024

❄️After a long day of work or school, come in out of the cold and enjoy a self-guided tour through our little piece of history!

⛄️When: Friday, December 20, 2024
⛄️Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tours are happening today from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm!  Christmas Readings begin at 3:00 pm, so be sure to join us while Ann...
12/15/2024

Tours are happening today from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm!

Christmas Readings begin at 3:00 pm, so be sure to join us while Ann reads some holiday favorites!

❄️The museum will be closed Saturday, December 14th for tours due to the weather forecast overnight Friday into Saturday...
12/13/2024

❄️The museum will be closed Saturday, December 14th for tours due to the weather forecast overnight Friday into Saturday afternoon.
❄️Stay safe and keep a survival kit in your car during the winter months!

🕐We will be back open on Sunday, December 15th for tours from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
📚Join us at 3:00 pm for holiday readings!

https://www.facebook.com/share/18JqPTdfxN/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Santa had to bid us adieu and head back to the North Pole!  He's a busy man so close to Christmas! There is still more f...
12/08/2024

Santa had to bid us adieu and head back to the North Pole! He's a busy man so close to Christmas!

There is still more fun to be had! Walk through the beautifully decorated museum and listen to the live holiday music by Cassie and Caelum!

12/08/2024

The holiday music has begun 🎶

Only one more hour before Santa has to get back to the North Pole!  Stop by to tell him your Christmas wishes and get a ...
12/08/2024

Only one more hour before Santa has to get back to the North Pole! Stop by to tell him your Christmas wishes and get a picture with the big man himself!

Santa loves the puppers!  Thank you for stopping by with your mom, Trooper!
12/08/2024

Santa loves the puppers! Thank you for stopping by with your mom, Trooper!

12/08/2024

We look forward to your visit today! Open House 10 am to 4 pm, with Santa's arrival at 11 am. Mrs. Claus will join in the fun as well!

Live holiday music will begin at 1 pm. So much beauty throughout the museum. Don't forget your non-perishable items to donate for our local food pantry!

12/07/2024

Tomorrow is the big day!
Sunday, December 8th at The Granger House Victorian Museum in Marion!

🎄Open House 10:00 am - 4:00 pm!

🦌 Santa will greet kids of all ages 11:00 am - 2:00 pm!

🤶 Mrs. Claus will be part of the fun!

🎶 Live holiday music starting at 1:00 pm!

📸 Photo ops all through the beautifully decorated museum!

❤️ Admission is only a non -perishable food item, hygiene item, cleaning supplies or a monetary donation. All donations will be given to our local food pantry! 'Tis the season for giving!

Self-Guided Tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm!  Take a walk through the magic of the holiday.
12/07/2024

Self-Guided Tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm! Take a walk through the magic of the holiday.

Mrs. Claus herself will be at the museum Friday, December 6th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm! 🤶  Join us for a self-guided tour...
12/06/2024

Mrs. Claus herself will be at the museum Friday, December 6th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm! 🤶

Join us for a self-guided tour, take in the beautifully decorated trees and grab a candy cane before you stop uptown to the Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk!

Looking for a gift for the historian on your list or maybe even yourself?Becoming a member of The Granger House Victoria...
12/05/2024

Looking for a gift for the historian on your list or maybe even yourself?

Becoming a member of The Granger House Victorian Museum helps us meet our mission, maintain important landmark buildings, and provide interesting and informative exhibits, programs, and activities. Your support is crucial to our success!
Benefits of being a member include unlimited regular tours of the house, discounted admission to many of our programs and access to the Granger House Annual General Meeting.

We offer the following membership options:
Individual $30/ year
Family $50/ year ( Up to 5 people in same household)
Benefactor $100/yr
(new Benefactor members receive a Granger House gift!)

Please visit https://grangerhouse.org/memberships for more information.

Becoming a member of The Granger House Victorian Museum helps us meet our mission, maintain important landmark buildings, and provide interesting and informative exhibits, programs, and activities. Your support is crucial to our success.

12/04/2024

We are almost at 5000 followers! We need 7 more…

We have some fun events coming up!  The museum has been beautifully decorated by Sisters Decorating and they did such an...
12/03/2024

We have some fun events coming up!

The museum has been beautifully decorated by Sisters Decorating and they did such an AMAZING job! They absolutely outdo themselves every year and bring such beauty at the holiday time! A big Granger THANK YOU to Sue, Stacy, Debbe, Greg, Cordell, Julie and Mike! Lots of talent and great "elves" to help out! You simply must visit the museum to take it all in and get your pictures taken next to them all.

Sunday, December 8th, we will be hosting our open house with SANTA! Did we mention, Santa??! The open house is from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Santa will here to greet everyone of all ages from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Admission for all is a non-perishable food item, personal hygiene item, paper products or cleaning supplies. In lieu of food or personal items, cash donations will be accepted. All donations will be given directly to The Churches of Marion Food Pantry to help our neighbors in need! We will also have live holiday music!

Saturday, December 14th, we have a couple of open spots for our annual Cookie Exchange! This will be from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and preregistration is needed.
https://checkout.square.site/buy/FGOIIH7ZBEED2ONEKONCKDOE

Sunday, December 15th, we will enjoy listening to Christmas Readings with Ann. Some of the season's favorites and classics! This will begin at 3:00 pm.

All of our events can be located on our website under the Events/Tours tab: https://grangerhouse.org/event

Open for self-guided tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Stop in for a visit!
12/01/2024

Open for self-guided tours today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Stop in for a visit!

Address

970 10th St
Marion, IA
52302

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