The Greene County Historical Society and Museum saw a successful 2025.

Co-Director Mike Piepel says there were close to 2,500 visitors to the museum last year and most of those were from the programs that were held. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio there were 15-18 programs in 2025 and the attendees were from places like Cedar Rapids and Des Moines and ranges of ages from students to retired folks. He talks about one of the more popular programs that was about the fires of the past in Jefferson and Greene County.

“And that was extremely well attended. We had over 85 people in attendance that day. These were all local people who remembered the history of the fires. We had fires, oh my gosh, go all the way back to the 1800s. Eldon Cunningham, who was (the Jefferson) Fire Chief for years, and years, and years provided a tremendous amount of information during that program.” 

Piepel says towards the end of the year, the Historical Society held its annual meeting and accepted two new board members with Jean Walker and Mike Palmer, which he is excited to work with those individuals. He acknowledges the current Board leadership, starting with President Nick Foster.

“Nick has been involved with the Historical Society for close to 30 years providing excellent leadership and guidance. And Margaret Hamilton, Margaret’s been on the Historical Society for a number of years too, between 10 to 15 at least. Margaret’s also in charge of our programming and she comes up with all different types of programs.” 

Piepel invites everyone to attend a program in 2026 with the Greene County Historical Society, starting with a Valentine’s Day Open House at the museum on February 14th.