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EXHIBITS THROUGH THE YEARS
We are very proud to share our heritage with you! Here is a sample
of what you will see when you visit us.
Street Scenes
Welcome to Main Street, where history comes alive! Take a leisurely stroll through our charming streetscapes representing the 1950s, 1930s, and Victorian era. Explore the unique stores and immerse yourself in bygone era. Don’t forget to capture unforgettable moments with our picturesque photo opportunities along way!
Duty and Honor
Welcome to the " Duty and Honor" exhibit, where we take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This collection proudly showcases artifacts from local veterans, representing each branch of the military. Among the highlights is a scaled-down model of the U.S.S. Iowa, along with several special scrapbooks dedicated to the stories of our veterans, housed in our Historical Library. Join us in honoring their sacrifices and celebrating their contributions to our nation.
The Teddy Bear Museum
Beginning with a Teddy Bear Reunion in1990, this exhibit showcases a permanent display of teddy bear art from around the world. Step into this exhibit, and learn the history of the childhood toy that was named after a president, while enjoying decades of teddy bear art.
Among the collection:
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Local artist, Steve Schutt
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History of the Teddy Bear
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Prototypes for Smithsonian Exhibit
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Teddy Bear Reunion Vignettes
Agriculture Hall
Over 16,000 square feet of original and restored farm tractors and construction machinery, horse drawn wagons, carriages, sleighs and implements on two levels awaits you. Between two buildings we have about 100 restored tractors!
All four walls in the Ag Hall are a showcase in themselves, displaying rare and unusual farm implement signs and clocks with one working neon sign as large as the tractor it advertises.
Balcony
The balcony houses over 2,000 collectible toy models of all kinds in showcases for the toy enthusiast. Below the balcony are large rooms housing individual historical displays from Wright County, the North Central Antique Tractor Club of Iowa, an ice harvesting display, and a working railroad exhibit. Grandparents will enjoy "I remember" moments, parents will think of growing up with some of these items - and the kids will enjoy your stories!
Women Who Helped Settle Wright County
Take time to "visit" with the women who helped settle Wright County. Their stories are shared through the use of a QR code. You can read their stories on your phone, or scroll to the end for a video. Their stories are also given in writing near each woman.
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Alvina's Hat Parlor
Alvina Sellers from Clarion became the "Iowa Hat Lady". Her hat parlor and milinary shop contains a collection of hats, clothing, and other items that belonged to her. She created a career with her hats and wonderful stories! Be sure to try on a hat for a "selfie"!
Among the collection:
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Over 300 of Alvina's 6,000+ Hats
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Stories from her 5,636 Programs
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Video from her David Letterman Appearance
Dale Feller Display
We are proud to have over 150 of Dale Feller's handmade replicas. Dale grew up in Wright County, and among other things, raised mink for a living. In his spare time, and after retiring, Dale hand-crafted boats, cars, tractors, trucks, and so much more.
Pictured above is a partial photo of just one of the walls of Dale's items.
Prairie Exhibit
New, expanded Prairie exhibit. With funding provided by Farm Bureau and Bayer Crop Science, we are featuring new items of prairie wildlife. This exhibit will help explain how wildlife contributes to our eco-system. Learn how Wright County went from wetland to great farmland.
