tamatoledonews.com – An audience of approximately 120 people was in attendance to officially launch the project. Gerry Schnepf, president of the ITM Board greeted the group by sharing comments about various individuals who have contributed to Iowa’s rich transportation history. Chuck Brooke, Executive Director of the ITM thanked the community of Grinnell, Grinnell College and various other persons who have been involved and have shown their support for the project. Grinnell Mayor Gordon Canfield noted that the City of Grinnell has been excited about the ITM for some time and recognized the benefits and opportunities it had to offer to the community. Because of that the City has pledged $1.M over a ten year period to the project. Various federal and state officials, including, former governor Robert Ray, Congressman Leonard Boswell, Senator Tom Rielly, and State Representative Eric Palmer were also in attendance and expressed their support for the museum and recognized the benefits and opportunities it would provide. Following opening remarks, select individuals and ITM Board members participated in the official turning of the shovel ceremony.

The idea of an Iowa Transportation Museum was conceived approximately 10 years ago by Dr. Stanley Ring at Iowa State University and Noel Richardson at the Iowa Department of Transportation. After reviewing several locations for the site, the former Spaulding Manufacturing Company in Grinnell was selected. The three remaining brick buildings of the facility are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the company manufactured buggies, wagons and automobiles.

The ITM will truly be a unique museum in that it will not only tell the story of how transportation evolved in Iowa, but it will also recognize the people who made it happen. The general contractor for the project, which will be completed in approximately 14 months, is Neumann Brothers Construction. Following the completion of Phase One the museum will be open to the public.