Connecting the Past to the Present
to Benefit Future Generations
Saturdays in February
Valentine's Day Cards Exhibit & History of the Annual Tradition
Every Saturday in February, visit the museum to experience something truly charming: a collection of vintage Valentine cards that must be seen in person to fully appreciate. These cards are stunning works of art, beautifully crafted, and they’re only on display for a limited time, thanks to museum members Dietra Davis and Keith Pettersen.
Valentine’s Day might now be all about hearts and chocolates, but its origins lie elsewhere. In ancient Rome, mid-February was dedicated to Lupercalia—a lively festival with rituals we definitely won’t be showcasing at the museum. By 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I decided it was time for a change and replaced those old customs with a day honoring Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr known for quietly helping couples marry, which was forbidden at the time by Emperor Claudius II.
The romantic side of the holiday didn’t appear until the Middle Ages, when people began associating February with courting and love. They even believed birds chose their mates around that time. Thanks to writers like Geoffrey Chaucer, the idea caught on, and soon people were exchanging handwritten notes and small tokens of affection. Valentine’s Day was finally starting to resemble the celebration we know today.
Fast‑forward to the United States in the 1800s, Valentines were usually a simple slip of paper with a short rhyme—cheap, charming, and sold by local shopkeepers.
That all changed thanks to a 20‑year‑old Mount Holyoke graduate named Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts. After receiving an ornate English Valentine, she decided she could create something far more beautiful. In 1849, she produced her first prototypes—layered, lace‑trimmed, ribbon‑adorned cards that were unlike anything sold in America.
Working from her family home, she launched the New England Valentine Company, selling cards for 15 to 75 cents at a time when most workers earned less than a dollar a day. Love, it seems, has never been shy about breaking budgets.
Her designs were an instant hit. Orders poured in, and she soon employed friends and family to keep up with demand. By the 1870s, she became known as the “Mother of the American Valentine.”
Giving and receiving Valentine's Day cards is still popular. Americans exchange an estimated 190 million Valentine’s Day cards each year, with Hallmark alone producing more than a thousand designs.
Valentine's Day was once a time to show love with cards featuring poetry, clever devotion messages, and designs ranging from elaborate to whimsical. Be sure to visit any Saturday in February to see them right here at the Henry County Museum.
One Man, Nine Cars, and Restoring Automobile History. The Buck Harness Story.
Before restoration shops and online collector communities, there were people like Buck Harness—a quiet craftsman who preserved early American automotive history one part at a time. Buck never set out to be a historian, but decades of patient, hands‑on work made him one.
Today, nine of his beautifully restored cars sit in his barn in Clinton, each representing a different moment in the birth and growth of the automobile industry. Together, they tell the story of the inventors, engineers, and small companies who shaped America’s earliest cars.
Introducing In-Depth Articles
We created an Articles section on the Henry County Museum website—a space dedicated to storytelling and historical reflection.
As guardians of our shared heritage, we created this feature to go beyond basic history. Our goal is to spark curiosity and deepen our readers’ understanding of our community.
In the months ahead, look for stories behind cherished artifacts, portraits of remarkable community members, and historical events worth remembering. It’s our invitation to explore, reflect, and connect.
Saturdays, January - March
We’re Not Hibernating this Winter!
For decades, the museum has followed the noble tradition of the North American black bear: disappearing in December and reemerging in April. This winter, we’ve decided to stay awake on Saturdays. We know, we’re as surprised as you are.
Why visit in January, February, and March? Because you need to get out of the house. The kids need to get out of the house, too. Grandparents need a place to take the grandkids that doesn’t involve cell phones or sugar. And solo visitors deserve a spot where no one expects them to assemble anything.
The museum is an ideal winter escape. It's cozy (if the furnace works), interesting, and best of all, completely free of laundry piles. Come spend a Saturday with us—you'll be glad you did.
Museum Collections
The Henry County Museum features thousands of county artifacts from the early 1800s to more recent times.
Our collection is displayed in creative venues, including an early 1900s village with a drug store, a doctor's office, a bank, a saddle shop, a general store, and more.
Genealogy Research
Our volunteer researchers go beyond what you find online.
We can help verify key details and uncover missing pieces of your family history. Our genealogy library offers expert guidance and historical insights to deepen your understanding of your ancestors' world.
Venue Rentals
Host your special event in a unique historic setting at our museum, ideal for small- to medium-sized gatherings.
Whether it's a wedding, corporate meeting, or birthday celebration, our charming venues create a memorable backdrop. Give your guests an experience they won’t forget.
A Word About Our Sponsors
Our sponsors play a vital role in our mission to preserve history and safeguard knowledge for future generations.
Their unwavering support empowers organizations like the Henry County Historical Society to bridge the gap between the past and the present. With gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to these exceptional businesses and organizations!