The new Sioux City Museum opened on April 23, 2011

Grant Recipient:  Siouxland Heritage Foundation

In 2008, the Waitt Foundation became the primary contributor by providing the first major gift to the Siouxland Heritage Foundation for construction of a new Sioux City Public Museum. With the grand opening on April 23, 2011, the new site is expected to dramatically increase the museum’s educational opportunities with expanded areas to store and display its more than 55,000 objects and 250,000 photographic images, as well as showcase exciting, new traveling exhibits.

"World War II: 70 Years Later Exhibit"

Bringing History to Life

Designed to touch hearts and minds, inspire the imagination and stimulate further exploration, the new museum will bring history alive by engaging visitors with state-of-the-art technology, interactive hands-on displays and awe-inspiring presentations. Providing welcoming, fun and memorable exhibitions and programs, the museum will be the kind of place visitors will want to return to again and again, with always something new to experience and enjoy.

From outside looking in, the Kari-Keen aircraft provides a link to Sioux City's aviation history that includes the arrival of Charles Lindbergh in 1927, stories of families who operated flying fields and the 6,000 airmen stationed at the former Sioux City Airbase during World War II.

Supporting Siouxland

Besides enhancing the quality of life for everyday Siouxland citizens, the Waitt Foundation anticipates the new museum will strengthen downtown Sioux City by complementing the cultural and entertainment district and helping to revitalize the area as a regional tourist destination.

About the Siouxland Heritage Foundation

Led by a number of well-known leaders in the community, the Siouxland Heritage Foundation was created as a non-profit 50 (c) (3) to oversee design, construction and fundraising for the new Sioux City Museum. The original Sioux City Public Museum officially opened to the public in 1961 and is currently housed in the historic John Peirce Mansion.

Resources/Media

Sioux City Museum Web site