A panel that is part of the new Traer Star-Clipper newspaper display at the Traer Historical Museum pictured recently. The panel describes the “6 Points for a Successful Newspaper” according to the Star-Clipper’s former, award-winning editor E.E. Taylor. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Have you seen our new displays? Over the last few years, the board members and volunteers have been working very hard to update the Traer Historical Museum. We have been designing each area of focus to make it easier and more intuitive to learn about not only the local Northern Tama County history but how the history of the United States and the world affected our small community.

On the main level, we have completed – if any history can be completed – the Traer Star-Clipper area, the railroads of Traer, the early telephone company, and the mercantile building history.

Upstairs has been a flurry of activity with an expanded war display that covers the Civil War up to the Vietnam conflict.

The school displays are taking shape with unique items from the early one-room schoolhouses to North Tama, Buckingham, Clutier, Dinsdale, and the Geneseo Schools. From letter jackets to school annuals you can find many items that help tell the story of consolidation in our local educational system.

All of this was made possible with many hours spent researching and organizing material and artifacts as well as physical work which included installing new cabinetry and professional lighting as well as modern display exhibits.

The new ‘History of the Traer-Star Clipper’ display located at the Traer Historical Museum. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

We appreciate all the time and money that our supporters have given toward these efforts and we’re not done yet! We continue to work on the local churches, theatre, Old Buckingham/West Union, early Traer businesses, and continuing the War display beyond Vietnam.

We have a lot to do and welcome everyone to see the progress!

Museum hours

At this time due to a need for volunteers, the Traer Historical Museum will be closed except for special events and appointments made in advance. To schedule a time, call 319.478.2346 and leave a message or email us at traermuseum@gmail.com.

Become a member – volunteer!

The upstairs of the Traer Historical Museum pictured recently. Both the War display and the Rural Schools display are located on the second floor. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAER HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Traer Historical Museum may do so by contributing a minimum of $5.00. Your donation shows your interest in the museum, while also helping with the upkeep of the building and the displays, and caring for items donated to the museum.

A form is included as part of this article [Telegraph note: print edition only] for those interested in volunteering to complete, cut out, and send to the museum. Please mail the form to: Traer Historical Museum, 514 2nd Street, Traer, Iowa 50675.

We so appreciate your interest in our programs and facility!