The community of Elgin, also known as the Little Switzerland of Iowa, takes great pride in cultural and historic preservation. The Elgin Historical Society manages the Elgin Historical Museum, located at 231 Center Street, which houses a wealth of information for history buffs or those looking for genealogy and obituary records. The museum was established in 1990 and was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2008.
The Tribes of the Turkey River Interpretive Center project will include restoration of the second floor of the Elgin Historical Museum and development of an interpretive plan and fabrication of materials to honor the Native American history along the Turkey River.
The project will foster an understanding of and empathy with the early peoples of the Turkey River valley through the use of educational and interpretive exhibits of their culture and lifestyle. The Office of the State Archeologist at the University of Iowa and the Meskwaki Nation of Tama have been engaged to provide the Elgin Historical Society with professional guidance and assistance with their efforts, specifically regarding artifact ID and collection management.
The exhibit space has been unused for the past 40 years and is in need of complete handicapped accessible restoration from its former function as the original Elgin Opera House and later, as the Masonic Hall and Eastern Star lodge. Preliminary renovation plans include installation of a stair lift, update of electrical and plumbing, installation of new lighting, door hardware replacement, security monitoring equipment purchase, and flooring. Window restoration and insulation are also a major part of the renovation plans. Once the physical renovation/rehabilitation of the upper floor is complete, an interpretive plan, display design, fabrication, and installation will take place. The total project is estimated to cost $250,000
The museum will be a state of the art showcase that will attract visitors from the area and around the state and nation.
