The Johnson County Historical Society recently lost a big supporter and dear friend. We echo the sentiments of the tribute reprinted below from "The Conservation Connection", with permission of the Johnson County Conservation Board.
In Memoriam - Gerald "Jerry" Morgan
"We lost one of our own with the unexpected death of JCCB member, Gerald "Jerry" Morgan. He served on the JCCB since 2000 and was the unofficial "Mayor" of River Junction. Jerry was instrumental in the resurrection of Walker Park and the Old Settlers Assocation. Jerry and his wife Joan epitomized the word community. They gathered friends, family and neighbors to their home and created local events to bring people together. Together, they brought history to life through their re-enactments and character portrayals.
Jerry was an active Oliver Collector, president of the Iowa Cornbelt Oliver Collectors Club, and member of the Hart-Parr Oliver Club, the Wayland Area Antique Tractor Club and the Midwest Oliver Club. He restored vintage tractors with Jerry Fisher and enjoyed taking his tractors, especially his "Purple 1850 Oliver", to tractor shows and parades. He started the River Junction Tractor Ride, the River Junction Spring Festival, and the River Junction Christmas Open House.
Jerry was a stalwart supporter of the preservation of natural and cultural resources. He brought the perspective of production agriculture to the JCCB and was always a booster for the causes of conservation.
Our lives are richer for having known and served with this good man."
Please join us in honoring Jerry by attending the Gerald Morgan Memorial Tractor Ride on July 12-14, 2013 in River Junction.
How about a visit to Plum Grove?
The plum trees are in full bloom at Plum Grove Historic Site. Come view the latest interior rehab projects and spend some time enjoying the outside gardens. Plum Grove is one of the few places where there is never a charge to visit!
JOHNSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
The Johnson County Historical Society will be offering two summer camp programs this year! "Little School on the Prairie" will be held once again at the 1876 Schoolhouse at 310 5th St in Coralville. Our new program "Flowers, Fossils, Birds, and Beyond", a natural history enrichment camp, will meet daily at the 1876 Schoolhouse. Tuition is $100 per child. A max of 24 campers can be enrolled per week. Our summer camps are suitable for children in grades 2-5. Children are welcome to attend one or both weeks. Campers who attend both weeks will receive $15 off of their second week’s tuition.
To register your child for camp, please request a registration form from the museum office or register online via the "Donate Today" PayPal link on this website. Please include in your message that your payment is camp tuition for your child.
Questions can be directed to Kendall Kikuts, Education and Outreach Coordinator at kendall@johnsoncountyhistory.org or 319-351-5738
3rd Annual High Tea
Everyone enjoyed this year's High Tea presentation by Glenna Voyles, area antique doll expert and curator of the Bussey Doll Collection at the Old Threshers Museum in Mt. Pleasant. Many brought their own dolls and Glenna shared her knowledge of their history. The event was held at North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville. Watch for news of future events on this website. We look forward to having all members or non-members join us!
If you have any questions about what's going on at JCHS, call (319) 351-5738 or email us.
To get all of the latest information on upcoming exhibits, programs and JCHS ask to be placed on our e-newsletter list.
Museum hours
Johnson County Historical Society Museum
860 Quarry Road, Coralville, IA 52241
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon- 5 p.m.
Admission* : $5 per visitor - which includes admission to the Antique Car Museum of Iowa
JCHS members: Free
Under 12: Free
Group rates are $4 per person for groups over ten. To schedule a group tour (self-guided or with a guide) please call (319) 351-5738.
plum grove historic home
1030 Carroll Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend: Wednesday-Sunday from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
After Labor Day Weekend to October 31st: Saturday-Sunday from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Free admission
To arrange a group tour please call (319) 351-5738 or email. (Please contact us at least 2 days in advance to schedule a tour)
1876 Coralville schoolhouse
310 5th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
Open by appointment only. Please call (319) 351-5738 to schedule a tour. (Please contact us at least 2 days in advance to schedule a tour)
1855 johnson county poor farm & asylum
Corner of Melrose and Slothower Ave. (just west of Hwy. 218), Iowa City, IA
Open by appointment only. Please call (319) 351-5738 to schedule a tour. (Please contact us at least 2 days in advance to schedule a tour)
