The Henry County Heritage Trust (HCHT) held its annual and regular monthly meetings on April 2, 2025, at the museum in Mount Pleasant. Officers elected for the coming year are: Patricia Richenberger, president; Sheila Allender, vice-president; Waunita Gibbons, secretary; and Patricia White, treasurer.
Highlights from 2024 included remote work with UNI student interns, weekly meetings with local volunteers, and major renovations to the Saunders School and Van Allen House—adding energy-efficient windows, solar shades, a new bathroom, mini-split units, and fresh paint. HCHT also hosted popular programs and events such as tag and book sales, historical talks, and artifact showcases. Dozens of donations were received, including a Henry Clay Dean painting and documents from the David L. McCoid Estate. Grant support came from the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation, the Hoaglin Foundation, and the Pennebaker Foundation.
A full 2025 calendar is set. Regular Saturday hours (1:00–4:00 PM) begin May 3, with the Van Allen House open the first Saturday of each month. The Iowa Wesleyan Archives remain open Mondays, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. The next HCHT board meeting is Wednesday, April 23 at 10:00 AM at the museum, 403 W. Madison St., Mount Pleasant. The public is welcome.