The Grinnell Historical Museum was built in 1895 as the home for the local merchant J. H. McMurray, with all the luxuries of the time.
It is now a museum operated by the Grinnell Historical Museum Society, which is dedicated to preserving the community’s link with the past. Docents provide free tours to groups and individuals, describing the provenance of the furnishings and appliances and their use in an early 20th Century household. Among the unique artifacts is the Wooton desk of J. B. Grinnell, a founder of the community.
Volunteers also provide programs highlighting Iowa history and help citizens and students with historical and genealogical research connected with Grinnell and Poweshiek County.