The Henry County Heritage Trust is asking for community support to address urgent repairs at its museum facility in Mount Pleasant—while also highlighting the historical significance of the building and the extensive collections housed inside.
In a recent letter to members and donors, the organization said more than $80,000 in critical maintenance work is needed at the former Saunders School building. Built in 1916, the structure served as one of Mount Pleasant’s neighborhood schools for more than 80 years, with its final classes held in 1998. The City of Mount Pleasant later donated the vacant building to the Heritage Trust in 2008 for use as a museum, though no funding was provided for ongoing operations or maintenance.
Officials say the historic brick building remains structurally sound, but recent leakage issues have made roof and masonry repairs a priority. The organization says addressing those concerns now is essential to preserving both the building and the history it protects.
Inside, the museum houses a wide-ranging collection documenting Henry County’s past. That includes early county and township records, Mount Pleasant school documents and ledgers dating back to the 1850s, and bound volumes of local newspapers from the same era. The Trust also maintains genealogy records and has been entrusted with hundreds of family artifacts, including clothing, plaques, and military service records. Its holdings extend to detailed histories of local businesses, churches, homes, and community institutions.
A major recent addition came in 2023, when the organization was selected to receive special collections and archives from Iowa Wesleyan University following its closure. Those materials include presidential files, alumni records, and a wide range of memorabilia tied to the university’s long history. In addition, the Heritage Trust serves as the keeper of the Van Allen Family Collection and the Crane Family Collection, along with an extensive archive of maps, atlases, photographs, and postcards that help illustrate the development of the region.
Over the years, donor support has allowed the organization to gradually transform the former school into a functioning museum and research space. Improvements have included accessibility upgrades such as ramps and lifts, the addition of restrooms, installation of HVAC systems, replacement of windows and lighting, and the conversion of classrooms into exhibit areas, a research library, archival storage, and event space.
Still, the group says continued investment is needed to protect both the historic structure and the irreplaceable materials it contains. In their message to supporters, board members emphasized that preserving the building means preserving the community’s shared history. The Henry County Heritage Trust says community donations will play a critical role in ensuring the museum remains a place where that history is collected, protected, and shared for generations to come.
Financial donations may be mailed to:
Henry County Heritage Trust
PO Box 333
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
Or given online here.