Jasper County Historical Museum reopens in June after year hiatus

After being closed to the public for an entire year due to the pandemic, the Jasper County Historical Museum is reopening its doors for tours starting June 1.

In June 2020, the museum’s board members voted not to reopen the Newton-based museum because of COVID-19 concerns. Executive director Ken Barthelman told Newton News on May 26 the tours would recommence.

Tours will be held 1-4 p.m. daily at the 1700 S. 15th Ave. W. facility.

All current Jasper County residents may tour the museum free of charge. Out-of-county visitors ages 18 and older must pay $10; ages 5 and under get in free while others pay a $5 entrance fee.

Social distancing and masks are not required, but staff strongly recommend guests adhere to these practices if they are not fully vaccinated — especially for those touring through in the main building.

For now, the museum plans to avoid scheduling events in the main building. The first Brown Bag Lunch-and-Learn since 2019 will be held June 2 in the agricultural building.

The agricultural building does not have heat or air conditioning, but it does have large vent fans to circulate fresh air, Barthelman said.

Jasper County Historical Museum has new additions and made a few modifications to existing exhibits, including the partially completed “New Banks of Jasper County” room and the coal mine exhibit, among others.

Larry Hurto, chair of the Newton Historic Preservation Commission, was recommended by Barthelman to lead tours as the assistant director of the museum.

For more information, contact the Jasper County Historical Museum at 641-792-9118.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com