Our archival collections focus on the history of Grinnell, Iowa, and the surrounding area. These physical archives include microfilm of area newspapers from 1871 to the present, city directories, records of many local organizations, Grinnell High School yearbooks, and various personal papers and photographs. All materials are kept in a secure, climate-controlled room in the library. These physical archive materials are only accessible with staff supervision. Staff are available to help with your research ne
Click on Search Archives Contents to explore our shelved collections, pamphlet files, family collections, by keyword. [Note: The search database is a subcollection within the local history collections database maintained by Grinnell College.] You can also see a list of our area authors collection (pdf document).
Through digitization, Drake Community Library is now able to virtually bring you some of our treasures from the past. Below, you can find all of our online resources, including our obituaries database, digital archive repository, oral histories, property research resources, the Poweshiek History Preservation Project, and other online, outside resources on the history of the city, the county, and the state.