The Iowa Museum Association is using this week to raise awareness of the types of museums in the state and the many aspects of museum work. The local Vintage Clothing Exhibit at the historic home of Kendall and Jane Young was awarded the IMA’s “New Museum Recognition” last fall.

The Women’s Club cancelled regular meetings and closed the exhibit to the public since the pandemic closed its doors in March 2020. The Women’s Club plans to return to meeting on Aug. 23 when they will celebrate the 187th birthday of Jane Young. Members and their guests are invited to learn more about Mrs. Young and enjoy birthday cake. Later that week, a bus tour from a Sioux Center bank will stop by.

The Vintage Clothing Exhibit will reopen on Aug. 28. Tours of the home and the exhibit are held the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment. There is a $5 fee for the tour.

The exhibit will include 4-H, county fair and state fair memorabilia; a collection of dresses perfect for a lawn party; a tribute to the women whose work around the house was never done; and a display of the undergarments that created the silhouettes of fashions of the past. Visitors will also learn about the Youngs and the home they built in 1873.

“The Iowa Museum Association is proud to count 85% of Iowa museums as members,” IMA Director Cynthia Sweet noted. “The IMA serves as a communication and resource hub, provides educational opportunities, and advocates on behalf of the field. Iowa museums are significant community assets, providing employment, purchasing goods and services, and attracting businesses as well as tourism to their communities. In addition, they are educators, providing lifelong learning opportunities, for all ages. The stewardship role of the museum industry is incredibly important, encompassing everything from heritage seeds and plants to wildlife to archival documents, art, and historic places.”