Grand Meadow Heritage Center

The Grand Meadow Heritage Center is a non-profit organization located in Washta, Iowa, with a significant focus on preserving Iowa's agricultural past for future generations. Founded in 1975 by alumni of the Grand Meadow school and community volunteers, the center aims to protect and share Iowa's rural heritage[1][3].

History

The center is situated on the site of the former District 5 Grand Meadow Township school, which has a history dating back to 1881. Initially, a one-room schoolhouse was constructed using logs floated down the Little Sioux River from Cherokee. Over the years, the school grounds expanded to include a two-story schoolhouse (1912), a three-story brick schoolhouse (1920), and various other buildings such as a teachers' residence, manual training building, and a music building[1]. The school officially closed in 1973.

Mission

The Grand Meadow Heritage Center's mission is to preserve the history of Iowa's rural way of life. The center accomplishes this by maintaining historical buildings, organizing annual events, and continuously adding exhibits of historical significance[1].

Activities and Events

The center hosts several events throughout the year, including:

• Taste of Grand Meadow: An event featuring local vendors of beer, wine, and distilled spirits, along with crafters and local artisans.
• Annual Heritage Festival: This festival is the center's largest event, held the first weekend after Labor Day. It includes historical demonstrations, products, and entertainment.
• Halloween Haunted House: Conducted in the old schoolhouse, offering a spooky experience for all ages during October.
• Annual Meeting: An opportunity for community members to contribute to the future of the heritage center by sharing ideas and shaping its next chapter[1][2].

Financial Overview

As of 2023, the Grand Meadow Heritage Commission Inc., which manages the center, reported revenues of $184,000 and expenses of $53,200, with total assets amounting to $285,000 and liabilities of $216[4]. The organization is maintained through these revenues, along with public donations and support from annual activities and fundraisers[1][4].