Traer Historical Museum, Inc. was originally formed in the 1970s. The original group was composed of Lula Hyland, Margaret Griffith, Rhea Calderwood, Marcella Esters and Dale Ross. A large house in south Traer was given to the corporation in hopes it could be used for a museum. In 1988, when renovation of the house proved too costly,
the group sold the house.
In 1989 Dale Ross, president of the corporation, announced that the group was being reformed. Original members were all now senior citizens and the group requested that a younger, more active group take over. The Steering Committee was composed of Rodger Knoop, president, Jane Knoop, secretary, Jared and Marilyn Bauch and Richard and Mary Lou Dahms. The money received from the sale of the house, plus some donations from individuals, was the starting fund for the new organization.
The Naylor Building and the Canfield/Star-Clipper Building on Main Street were purchased in 1989. With much volunteer help the Naylor Building was cleaned and painted, inside and out. Electrical and plumbing work was done. The staircase from the original house owned by the group was donated by Donald Farland and installed in the Naylor Building.
The Canfield/Star-Clipper Building was remodeled. The tin ceiling was sandblasted, wood floors repaired, sanded and refinished and the large mirror at the back restored. This part of the building is the home of Iowa Star Quilts. The other part of the building is occupied by the North Tama Veterinary Clinic.
There have been further improvements to the Naylor Building. There is now an elevator, exhibits on the second floor and a modern kitchen has been installed. The Naylor Building now houses items relevant to North Tama County including rooms representative of the early 1900s and Traer business memorabilia.
Special exhibits are a Tama Jim Wilson display, Traer Star-Clipper and a Civil War artillery rifle (cannon).
The Museum has become a viable part of the community. Some of the activities have included an annual quilt show, annual Parade of Christmas Trees, ice cream social, teas, Soup Days, art displays and participation in community celebrations. Many groups, including school children, tour the Museum each year.
