Muscatine History Revisited, the Muscatine Art Center’s newest and latest exhibition, first went on display on October 19th. It exposes guests and visitors to artifacts and objects historic in nature, ones that detail the past that’s made Muscatine the city it is today. In that way, for so many, it enhances one’s perception of their hometown through this historical and complex phenomenon out of which a community is made more alive, bringing residents closer to the past than ever.
Different factors motivate the decisions to put up exhibitions, which are sometimes coordinated and planned out six years in advance. The center’s director and registrar play integral roles in writing out schedules for how they wish to plot out shows and displays. There’s more leeway in organizing something like Muscatine History Revisited, because the entire show is designed by the center. It’s not a traveling show, so nothing has to be worked out with external institutions, presenting more creative freedom for the center’s organizers.
The exhibition was last shown 17 years ago in 2007. Thousands of pieces have been added to the permanent collection since then, making this show more detailed than its predecessor. A substantial contribution, in fact, recently came from the center’s former president, the late James Burr, a formerly prolific collector whose estate is replete with items and memorabilia capturing the depth of Muscatine's past.
Education coordinator Katy Loos was an intern the last time the exhibition was displayed. In the two times she’s witnessed it organized, she said the collection from which items and objects of interest can be pulled has only grown, reflecting the center’s commitment to exhibiting Muscatine’s rich history.
“It’s such a massive show that we don't do it very often. That's what makes it so special. There's so many pieces that go into it. We have done it in the past,” Loos said. “Every time, it seems to get bigger and bigger in terms of artifacts. Our Muscatine history collection is just quite a vast collection.”
Muscatine History Revisited is available for viewing until August of 2025. Old storefronts and remnants of businesses no longer operating are featured. A large section, for example, is devoted to articles of S. G. & P. Stein Furniture, a staple of the city for over a century. One of the many highlights is an original horse-drawn buggy. Most of what’s on display has never technically been viewed before, or some objects haven’t been seen in over a decade.
Loos said the way the exhibition has been received is incredible, the whole of it appearing to inspire awe in older and younger individuals alike. Visitors have come to find themselves fascinated by the extent of this reconstruction of Muscatine’s expansive history.
“The reception thus far has been pretty phenomenal. We have a lot of lifelong Muscatine residents that remember the last time we did the show. It just sparks so much joy, especially in the ones who remember these different stores being open. And almost every time they'll come back to find one of us, and they'll have a story,” Loos said. “And even for kids, too—we try to really engage the kids in that conversation so that they can get a sense of their own history here in Muscatine. We’re really looking forward to having this up for a while.”
Educators or organizations looking to tour the center’s newest attraction and engage in activities related to it can contact Loos at 563-263-8282, or email her at kloos@muscatineiowa.gov.
The Muscatine Art Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 in the evening, Tuesday through Friday. On Thursdays it’s open from 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 p.m. Guests can visit on the weekends, too, as it’s open then in the afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00. It’s located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. For more information about the exhibition or other general matters, visit www.muscatineartcenter.org.
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