National Pearl Button Museum @ the History and Industry Center

Experience the Muscatine that was the “Pearl Button Capital of the World,” a story proudly being told as the “gold rush of the Midwest”, it wasn’t gold, it wasn’t silver, it was mother of pearl shells, taken from rivers of 19 states to make 1.5 billion pearl buttons annually, 1/3 of the world’s pearl buttons.. a story started in the 1890’s.

Learn about how Muscatine is still a thriving manufacturing center on the second level of the museum through displays on
1940's and 1950's entrepreneurial giants who led to the manufacturing of products like office furniture, retread tires and corn product processing.

Be sure to visit the gift shop to find locally-made Muscatine and pearl button memorabilia…you will receive clam good luck!

NPB

¦ LOCATION AND HOURS


117 West Second St.
Muscatine, Iowa 52761

Regular hours (Mar-Dec)
Tue-Sat: 10am-4pm
Other times by special appointment

Winter hours (Jan-Feb)
Fri-Sat: 10am-4pm
Other times by special appointment

¦ FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call the National Pearl Button Museum @ the History and Industry Center at 563-263-1052 or visit the Center's website.