The Evolution of the Mitchell County Historical Museum

The Mitchell County Historical Museum was founded in 1966 in the last remaining building of the historic Cedar Valley Seminary. Known as “Old Central,” the building stood at North 6th Street and Mechanic Street in Osage, Iowa, and was leased to the Historical Society by the Osage Community Schools.

As the school district began planning an expansion on the former Seminary campus, Old Central faced demolition. At the same time, the Historical Society’s lease was nearing expiration. Recognizing both the urgency and opportunity, the Society joined a 28E agreement to take part in the planning of the Cedar River Recreation and Fine Arts Complex—a project that would answer the pressing question: Where do we go with the museum?

Meanwhile, the iconic Old Central building was saved by the newly formed Cedar Valley Seminary Foundation. On June 24, 2016, the historic structure was relocated to 200 North 7th Street, where it was fully restored and repurposed. Today, it stands proudly as a community gathering space, hosting events and welcoming visitors on a beautiful new site.

The museum’s next chapter began with its Grand Opening on April 24, 2010, inside the Cedar River Complex. The purpose-built museum, located just inside the CRC’s main entrance, became a highlight of a facility that also includes the Krapek Family Fine Arts Center and auditorium, fitness center, and swimming pool.

In late summer 2023, changes within the CRC led to the closure and repurposing of the museum’s main floor space. Operations were scaled back to the second floor, which continued to house vintage exhibits, artifacts, archives, and a research library. While no longer open to the public on a walk-in basis, the collections remained accessible by appointment.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated and permanent space, the Historical Society identified the Cedar Valley Memories site—already home to its popular annual Steam & Power Show—as the ideal location for a new museum. Plans were drawn to attach the new facility to the existing Smolik Building, allowing the Society’s collections to be consolidated, protected, and made more accessible to the public.

In June 2025, just nine months after groundbreaking, the new Mitchell County Historical Museum was completed.

We remain steadfast in our mission: to collect, preserve, and share the artifacts and stories that reflect the rich heritage and way of life of Mitchell County’s past generations.