Learn about Muscatine History Revisited at Muscatine Art Center

A new exhibit at the Muscatine Art Center is a trip back in the city’s history.

Muscatine History Revisited features artifacts and historic photographs from the permanent collection. Visitors can discover the stories of the community’s past while learning about the businesses and industries that helped shape Muscatine.

The exhibit opens on Saturday, October 19 at the Muscatine Art Center and will be available for viewing through August 24, 2025.

Visitors will see storefronts featuring items from Kautz’s Bakery, the Muscatine Oat Meal Company, Oscar Grossheim’s photography studio, the McColm Dry Goods store, Norman Baker’s Tangley Air Calliaphone, Roach & Musser Sash & Door and the Muscatine Jewelry Company. A large section is devoted to S. G. & P. Stein Furniture and a model of Wilson’s Shoe Store is displayed nearby.

The middle floor of the Stanley Gallery features sections on Bellevue Hospital, Little Mac cars, PeterMar Toys, Kent Corporation, produce in Muscatine County, Barry Manufacturing, local theaters, the Muscatine High Bridge and the light rail system. Theater seats, an apron made from Kent feed sack, toys made in Muscatine, tokens from the high bridge tollbooth, clocks, business signs and the “Melon Shed” derby car will be on display. One highlight is an original horse-drawn buggy.

Many of these items have never been on display before and some are on view for the first time in over a decade.

“This is a multi-generational show with something to please or interest kids and adults, alike,” said Katy Loos, Muscatine Art Center Education Coordinator. “Our local history is so rich and fascinating. While the creation of the exhibition was a huge undertaking, the Muscatine Art Center team feels so fortunate to have an amazing local history collection. The artifacts make the show.”

The Muscatine history show was last shown in 2007. In the ensuing 17 years, thousands of historical objects have been added to the permanent collection, including a massive collection of Muscatine advertising and memorabilia from the estate of the late James (Jim) Burr. Part of Burr’s collection is currently on view in the Musser-McColm Mansion, and several items have been added to the Muscatine History Revisited exhibition.

“The Muscatine Art Center staff is also fortunate to have assistance from many individuals who helped construct, install, and enhance the exhibition,” said Virginia Cooper, Muscatine Art Center Curator/Registrar. “The list is long and can be found on the credit panel in the exhibition. We are especially grateful to Ryan Kitzmann, and his Industrial Technology students at Muscatine High School, who worked on this project last school year and installed the exhibit walls this school year.”

Educators and organizations wishing to tour the exhibition and engage in related history activities, should contact Katy Loos at 563-263-8282 or kloos@muscatineiowa.gov . Click here for more information about programs and events at the Muscatine Art Center.

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