Grout Museum District

The Grout Museum District provides understanding of the world through history and science. 

The Grout Museum of History & Science was founded in 1932 at the death of Henry Whittemore Grout (1858-1932) a local collector, legislator, and philanthropist.  Opened to the public in 1956, this 17,000 square foot, two-floor facility included a 50-seat planetarium and in 1990 a 12,000 square foot addition was added. In 1984, the American Association of Museums (AAM) accredited the Grout Museum of History & Science.

The Rensselaer Russell House Museum is a two-story Italianate-style Victorian home that was built in 1861 by Rensselaer Russell.  Lived in by three generations of the Russell family and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is often cited as Iowa's finest example of Italianate architecture. The Russell House was deeded to the Grout organization in late 1988 by their privately held board.  Restored to the period of electrification (1890s,) the exhibits interpret the Russell family and the upper middle class lifestyle of Waterloo’s mid-Victorian period.

The Snowden House was deeded to the Grout in July 1997 by its private board. This historic house complements the Museum District as a supplemental programming and meeting facility.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum opened on November 15, 2008. It honors the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to present. The museum is named in honor of the Five Sullivan Brothers, from Waterloo, who died while serving together on the USS Juneau during the Second World War.

The Grout Museum District is an educational center with reference to regional history, Iowa history pertaining to statewide military involvement including home front participation and the sciences. The Museum selectively collects artifacts, books and archival material to further that purpose.

The Grout Museum of History and Science feature permanent and continually changing exhibitions of area history, regional flora and fauna, and the only public planetarium in Northeast Iowa.

Guided tours bring to life the Rensselaer Russell House Museum with original furnishings and stories of the Russell family and their experiences in Victorian Waterloo. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to present through traditional exhibits, interactive activities, and an electronic Wall of Honor.

The District offers a wide range of programming for all ages enhancing experiences and brings historical and scientific concepts to life.