Covid-19 Response
March 10, 2022
The History Center strongly recommends visitors wear a mask while visiting the museum or attending events and programs.
August 5, 2021
Following the Linn County Board of Health’s support of the CDC’s masking recommendations, The History Center will require masks for all individuals inside of the building beginning August 5, 2021. This requirement applies to all museum admissions and any indoor programs and events.
May 14, 2021
The History Center is encouraged by the progress our local and national community has made towards the fight against Covid-19. This institution is also aware of the new guidelines recommended by the CDC regarding mask usage.
The health and safety of The History Center’s visitors, volunteers and staff is the highest priority and we are committed to the safety of our community. It is difficult to ascertain exactly who has been vaccinated and who is not. Therefore, the mask and social distancing requirements currently in place will remain in place until May 31, 2021, at which time The History Center will review the policy and situation.
April 5, 2021
Beginning Tuesday, April 20th, The History Center will be open on the following days and times:
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Tuesday from 12 PM to 4 PM
Thursday from 4 PM to 8 PM
Friday from 12 PM to 4 PM
Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM
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The History Center’s safety guidelines will remain in place for all museum admissions, tours and events. Following the city of Cedar Rapids’ continued mask mandate, a mask or face covering is required for entry and social distancing is strongly encouraged.
February 8, 2021
The History Center’s safety guidelines will remain in place for all museum admissions, tours and events. Following the city of Cedar Rapids’ continued mask mandate, a mask or face covering is required for entry and social distancing is strongly encouraged.
September 16, 2020
The History Center will welcome visitors during the times listed below, beginning Friday, September 25.
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Fridays from 12 PM to 4 PM
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Saturdays from 12 PM to 4 PM
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Our safety guidelines will remain in place. Please review these guidelines here.​
August 22, 2020
The History Center will welcome visitors during the times listed below, beginning Saturday, August 22.
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Wednesdays from 12 PM to 4 PM
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Saturdays from 12 PM to 4 PM
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Our safety guidelines will remain in place. Please review these guidelines here.​
August 11, 2020
The History Center is currently closed due to storm conditions. ​
July 22, 2020
Beginning in August, The History Center will welcome visitors during the times listed below:
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Wednesdays from 12 PM to 4 PM
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Saturdays from 12 PM to 4 PM
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Our safety guidelines will remain in place, including:
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A maximum of 10 visitors are allowed to tour the museum at one time. You may experience a brief waiting period before entering the exhibits as we work to accommodate all visitors.
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Masks must be worn throughout museum
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Do not enter if you are feeling unwell, have a cough, fever or shortness of breath
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Use hand sanitizer and glove stations set up near museum interactives
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Groups must remain six feet apart and visitors will follow a one-way path through the exhibits.
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Tour times are limited to 90 minutes per party (if you are in need of additional time or accommodations, please museum contact staff)
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June 24, 2020
The History Center will welcome back visitors to the Douglas Mansion on a limited basis in July. On three Saturdays—July 11, 18, and 25—The History Center will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Visiting The History Center in person, however, will different than it was prior to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Those wishing to visit must be aware of the following policies and procedures:
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Reservations are required and must be made online—including prepayment (historycenter.org/rsvp)
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The largest reservation that can be made is for 10 people.
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The wearing of face coverings is required and The History Center will provide them to anyone who arrives without one of their own. The History Center will also have hand sanitizer readily available and will encourage its use.
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Groups must remain six feet apart and visitors will follow a one-way path through the exhibits.
Visitors will be able to see The History Center’s new exhibit, “HERstory: Women at Work,” which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which gave women the right to vote.
In addition to the Saturday hours, The History Center is also restarting on July 7 its popular Walking and Biking Tours and will host an outdoor edition of its Grown-Up Show-N-Tell program on the lawn of The Douglas Mansion on Tuesday, July 14. Details about these program—including information about public health precautions—are available at historycenter.org.
March 30, 2020
The History Center will follow the federal government's social distancing guidelines for reopening. Please continue to check back for reopen dates and event updates.
March 16, 2020
The History Center’s annual fundraiser, Famous Last Words: A Celebrity Roast, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, 2020, has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. The History Center is working on a rescheduled date for the event in the historic Olympic Theater in New Bohemia.
“We have been carefully following all protocols recommended by the various health organizations,” stated Jason Wright, executive director. “The health and wellbeing of everyone is of the utmost importance. After many conversations with a variety of stakeholders, it became very clear that we need to postpone this event. Practicing social distancing seems the most prudent avenue at this time.”
In addition, The History Center will be closed to the public from Tuesday, March 17 until Tuesday, April 14. Staff will continue to report to work, but the Douglas Mansion will be closed to visitors and all scheduled events during this period—including the March 24 Walking Tour—are postponed. During this time, The History Center will not accept research requests.
Ticket(s) purchased for the March 28 event will automatically be applied to the rescheduled event. If a ticketholder cannot attend the rescheduled date, the value of the ticket(s) can be converted to a tax deductible donation to The History Center. In special circumstances, tickets may be refunded, and those seeking this should contact The History Center.
“The History Center is profoundly grateful to all that purchased tickets for this event,” Wright said. “And we’re grateful to the sponsors, which include Cedar Memorial, United Fire Group, TrueNorth and Rob and Kathy Cook. We look forward to gathering everyone together in the near future for a wonderful time.”