LocationThe museum is located in the Lyons District in Clinton, Iowa. We are located along the Mississippi River, Historic Lincoln Highway Byway, and just off the Great River Road. The address is 2231 Grant Street Clinton, Iowa. Please follow your GPS or just take Main Avenue down towards the river.
About The Sawmill Museum Once known as the “Lumber Capital of the World,” Clinton, Iowa’s pivotal role in the lumber industry and expansion of the West makes it ideally suited to host the lumber museum and learning center. The museum’s permanent exhibit will house some original pieces from the Struve Mill which was operational from 1860′s – 1980′s in Hauntown, Iowa. This exhibit is important because it tells the story of how lumber was processed from living tree to finished product which was then used locally for commercial and residential purposes. The equipment has been generously donated by Mrs. Helen (Struve) Cotton. The museum also houses an early 20th century working saw mill. The Sawmill Museum started as a project funded through the local Kiwanis Club. With additional support from land and monetary donations, the museum opened its door in October of 2011. Since it's initial opening, the museum has expanded its building allowing for more exhibits. The museum sits just west of the levee along the Mississippi River in the Lyons district of Clinton, IA. This area was home to several operating sawmills and other industries, though Clinton does not have any preserved sawmills. The museum is a proud member of the Lyons Business and Professional Association (LBPA) and collaborates with many other businesses and individuals on events. As a cornerstone of Lyons, the Sawmill Museum hopes to contribute to preserving the rich history of the neighborhood and surrounding areas as well as contribute to the local culture. Vision Statement The Sawmill Museum strives to be a national leader for the interpretation and exploration of our country’s lumber history. The Museum will serve as a resource for learning, dialogue, preservation, and research and will offer balanced opportunities and voices for industry, government, and private groups and citizens alike. |
The mission of The Sawmill Museum is to preserve, collect, interpret, and explore the history of America’s sawmill, lumber, and forestry industries. Centered around the story of Clinton, Iowa’s rich lumber history, the museum features dynamic exhibits, programs, and events that explore the history of these industries, their current practices, and future opportunities and challenges.
Board of Directors
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