The Muscatine history collection has grown substantially with the gift of a few thousand artifacts from the estate of Jim Burr. As the “go-to guy” for all things Muscatine history related, Jim was a walking encyclopedia of local history.
The Muscatine Art Center has proudly announced that the collection is now on view through 2026.
He collected artifacts from local banks (Central State, Hershey State, Muscatine Bank & Trust), local canning companies (Heinz, Zeigler, Kemper & Son), bakeries (Kautz Holsum, Bambi), cigar stores (Gremmel, Mucha, Mas-Quo-Ta, Mull, Eichenauer), dairies (Pure Milk, Modern, Hetzler, Hintermeister), local garages, schools, meat packers, doctors, dentists, sports teams, and industries. Selections from Jim’s massive collection will soon be on view in the Muscatine History Room on the second floor of the historic house.
As the former President of the Board of Trustees for the Muscatine Art Center, Jim has left an incredible gift to the Muscatine community.