Greene County Iowa Historical Society presents: “Dig it! The 1950s, ’60s & ’70s”

Three decades that changed the world – and our little patch of it – are featured in a new exhibit, “Dig it! The 1950s, ’60s & ’70s,” that opens on Saturday, July 3, at the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson.

An exhibit, designed and constructed by Mikki Schwarzkopf and Dianne Piepel with lots of help from Jan Durlam, features treasures, artifacts, and a lot of kitschy reminders of what life was like and how it was transformed during those 30 years.  Nearly all items in the huge display have been loaned to the Greene County Historical Society by current residents of the area.

For the July 3 debut, the museum will be open at 9 a.m. for browsing of the new exhibit, as well as other displays that have been longtime favorites.  A panel discussion on the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s will start at 10 a.m., and then the museum will remain open for additional browsing until at least 1 p.m. Thereafter, the exhibit will be available well into the fall during normal museum open hours – Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings – and by special appointment.

The 10 a.m. panel discussion on July 3 is planned to be the first of three or more such gatherings over the next six months, discussing what happened during the featured 30-year period and how that has continued to shape our lives and culture today.

Journalist Chuck Offenburger, a member of the historical society board, will serve as moderator of at least the first panel discussion. He will be leading the questioning of panelists Rick Morain, Andy McGinn, Rolfe Blaess, Terry Rich, Carole Custer, Quentin Minnehan and Alan Robinson.  They will attempt a broad overview of that historic era, decade by decade.  Question and observations from the audience will be encouraged.

“If you’re my age, it might be hard to believe these three decades would be listed in the historical category,” said Roger Aegerter, a retired school superintendent and art teacher who is now executive director of the historical society.  “But, remember, we are talking 50 to 70 years ago!”

The exhibit, panel discussions and admission to the museum are all free.

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Calendar

April 2025

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
  • Spring Salad Luncheon
2
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
3
4
  • Greene Co. Historical Society Lunch
  • Java and Juice: ISU Extension
  • Greene County Community Theater presents Sylvia
5
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Poetry at the Museum
  • BOOST Fundraiser
  • Tom Pevear Concert
  • Greene County Community Theatre Presents Sylvia!
6
  • Greene County Community Theatre presents Sylvia
7
8
9
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
10
  • Spring Book Sale
11
  • Spring Open House: Jefferson Retailers
  • Spring Book Sale
  • Roaring 20's Murder Mystery Party
12
  • Spring Open House: Jefferson Retailers
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Spring Book Sale
  • Roaring 20's Murder Mystery Party
13
14
15
16
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
17
  • Pictures with the Easter Bunny
18
  • Java and Juice @ Masonic Lodge
  • Ryne Owen in Concert
19
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Community Egg Hunt
  • Scott Kirkhart in Concert
20
21
22
23
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
24
25
  • Flower Fest @ Krieger's Flower Shop and Greene Goods Market
  • Java and Juice: Jefferson Community Golf Course
  • Fourth Friday Fireside: Ryne Doughty
26
  • Flower Fest @ Krieger's Flower Shop and Greene Goods Market
  • Craft and Quilt Day
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Toddler Fest
27
  • Flower Fest @ Krieger's Flower Shop and Greene Goods Market
  • Community Appreciation Event
28
29
30
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open