Archived Documents Repository
Selected documents and videos to explore the history of the Grinnell area. Learn about significant people and events in the town history.
Property Research Page
Access documents to aid with property research, including National Registry documents, city directories, Sanborn maps, etc.
Oral History Projects Page
Access documents to aid with property research, including National Registry documents, city directories, Sanborn maps, etc.
The Underground Railroad
Resources to learn about Grinnell’s involvement in the Underground Railroad
The Renfrow Story
Learn about Edith Renfrow Smith and her deep roots in Poweshiek County
Cemetery Walk
African Americans of Early Grinnell Hazelwood Cemetery Walk 2023
Letter from J.B. Grinnell
Read about a letter written by J.B. Grinnell in 1864 and transcribed by local middle school students in 2021.
Reviving Isabella Beaton
Isabella Beaton (1870-1929) was a pianist and composer whose work was largely forgotten until 2018 when local efforts to revive her story began.
The Longhorn Story
The Longhorn was a popular local restaurant from 1961-1997. We created this overview of the legendary business from materials donated in the summer of 2021.