The 1854 Society was created in commemoration of the Iowa State Fair sesquicentennial. Funds raised by the 1854 Society are designated for renovations to the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex. This three-phase project was initiated in 2003 and will make it possible to view over 150 years of Iowa State Fair history. With a $1,854 initial membership fee, you receive these elite benefits:

• Engraved granite paver at the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex
• Gate admission for two each day of the Fair
• VIP parking during the Fair
• Opportunity to purchase four priority seats to a Grandstand concert of choice at the Fair
• Limited Edition Commemorative Pin denoting membership year
• Access to 1854 Society Hospitality Suite during the Fair
• Exclusive 1854 Society Shuttle access during the Fair
• Recognition in Blue Ribbon Foundation publications
• Special Membership Reception in August

Annual program renewal is $395, due by March 15 of each year. Renewing members continue to receive the same benefits.

The project was prompted by two initial contributions of $300,000 by Des Moines businessmen Richard L. Easter and Richard O. Jacobson. Phase I included the construction of Richard O. Jacobson Hall, a climate-controlled facility to house an interactive exhibit detailing the Fair since its inception in 1854. The exhibit, Phase II of the project, was made possible by a generous $400,000 gift by Iowa natives Ronald and Margaret Kenyon. The Ronald and Margaret Kenyon Gallery debuted at the 2005 Iowa State Fair with exciting and innovative displays including a livestock judging contest, a thrilling train crash and a revolving carousel sporting the evolution of Fair fashions.

Phase III renovation to the original State Fair Museum was prompted by a $300,000 commitment by Chuck and Sally Smith of Atlanta, Georgia. These improvements included a new basement, as well as an addition to the original structure containing an elevator, a restroom, storage room, work room and exhibit rooms on both the first and second levels. Additional contributions from the late Emery Burchett, Dick and Sherry Easter, Rod and Connie French, Ronald and Margaret Kenyon and Madelyn Levitt made the completion of this building project possible.

Future enhancements of the Ralph H. Deets Historical Museum will include further interior design and improved preservation of the museum’s collection of artifacts with archival quality storage.

Funds raised by the 1854 Society supplement these gifts and bring the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex one step closer to completion.

For more information, please download our full brochure. (Adobe® PDF document)

To take advantage of this program, please use our secure online order form