JCHS is a private, non-profit group committed to serving the public by furthering an appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Johnson County community through education, preservation and interpretation.
The Johnson County Historical Society was organized in 1967 as the Mormon Trek Memorial Foundation. Its purpose was to commemorate the Mormon Handcart Expeditions, which departed Johnson County for Salt Lake City in 1856 and 1857. The Foundation identified the site of the Handcart Expedition Campground, created a park and monument and renamed a street (Mormon Trek Boulevard). The Foundation resolved to create a local history museum. To reflect this new purpose, the name was changed to the Johnson County Historical Society.
The Historical Society found a permanent home when a lease was signed for the Old Coralville Public School, a badly deteriorated two-story brick schoolhouse built in 1876. Restoration of the building began in 1977 and on July 4, 1983 the building opened to the public as the Johnson County Heritage Museum.
In 2006, the Historical Society moved to its current location at 860 Quarry Road in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing District.
In addition to the JCHS Museum, the Society also manages and interprets four historic sites: Plum Grove Historic Home, the 1855 Johnson County Poor Farm & Asylum, Coralville Old Town Hall, and the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse.
Plum Grove Historic Home
Operating Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Wednesday-Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm **Weekends only starting Labor Day through October 31st**
The 1855 Johnson County Poor Farm & Asylum, Coralville Old Town Hall, and the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse are open by appointment only.
To schedule a tour, please call (319) 351-5738.
A private, non-profit group committed to serving the public by furthering an appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Johnson County community through education, preservation and interpretation.
