The years 2019 through 2022 were tumultuous years, not only for the Des Moines County Historical Society, but for the country and world at large. The Covid-19 pandemic effectively shut down many organizations, forcing the Heritage Museum to remain closed to the public for a good part of that time. The DMCHS survived though heroic efforts on the part of the staff and even thrived with a combination of face mask production and other governmental grants.

 

Once the Heritage Museum opened its doors again in early 2022, the Heritage Museum became the new home of the Tibbetts Crinoid Collection of over 3,000 specimens, the third-largest crinoid fossil collection in the United States, and the only world-class collection which will be accessible to the public for viewing and research. Burlington, Iowa is known world-wide as the “Crinoid Capital” due to its extensive, high-quality fossils embedded in the rock layer surrounding Burlington. This collection, which will be phased into viewing over the next few years, promises to fundamentally change the scope of the DMCHS activities. With this in mind, DMCHS will be conducting a series of strategic planning sessions over the next twelve months. The new strategic plan will have at its heart the following goals:

 

Goal 1 – Enhance financial resources to advance our mission and ensure long-term sustainability and growth

Goal 2 – Maintain and manage DMCHS according to best practice guidelines for small museums

Goal 3 – Utilize technological equipment and services consistent with the needs of Society members and visitors

Goal 4 – Preserve, maintain, and enhance the museum collection

Goal 5 – Use the collection to promote the appreciation of the distinctive history of Des Moines County to the broader community through programming and outreach

Goal 6 – Develop staff and volunteer capabilities to support the ambitious goals of the organization