JOHNSTON (AP) — The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston will remain open thanks to volunteers and support from the state.
The Iowa National Guard announced Tuesday the museum, which had been set to close beginning Sunday due to the federal shutdown, would instead remain open.
In a news release, the Guard credited museum volunteers and the backing of Gov. Terry Branstad, who said at a Monday news conference that he would keep the museum open. Col. Greg Hapgood says the state will pay a part-time staffer and volunteers will fill in as needed.
The museum is open Mondays through Saturdays.
The museum was established in 1985 and is the only federally recognized repository for military artifacts in Iowa.