Planning for the new Mitchell County Historical Museum has been underway for several months. The new museum, estimated to cost approximately $2.2 million dollars, will be located at the Cedar Valley Memories site west of Osage on Highway 9.

Plans include a steel-constructed Morton building that will encompass a 72’ by 81’ space located between the current Smolik building (on the north) and the office area (on the east). The formal entry will face west. The new space includes a large open exhibit area, office, cataloguing and research areas, as well as new restrooms.

With construction planned for the summer of 2024, substantial money will be needed as expenses arise. We are initiating a Capital Campaign to both provide funds for the immediate construction as well as ongoing expenses associated with operation of the facilities. We are also in the process of planning community events to raise funds, as well as apply for any available grant funding.

Can you be a part? The preservation, conservation and interpretation of our county’s artifacts and records deserve a place that is safe, secure and able to take a variety of donations. We believe that our vision for the current museum meets those needs and will take us well into the future. We also believe that our new location provides more opportunities for displays, events and educational programming.

Please consider being a member of our society, at whatever level of support you can provide.