A local businessman who started his career in 1972 and a woman with a passion for genealogy and history recently joined the Historical Society of Marshall County’s (HSMC) board of directors.

Rick Gooding of Marshalltown, who began his career at Lowe’s Flowers 54 years ago and became owner in 2006 – and Amy Howell (nee Brandt), also of Marshalltown, were elected to their positions by fellow directors earlier this month, said HSMC president Michelle Roseburrough of Marshalltown.

Gooding is also well known for his decades-long dedication to the Marshalltown Community Theatre (MCT) as an actor, director and promoter. He is also active in the Central Iowa Art Association, among other organizations.

“I have always been interested in the history of Marshalltown and the growth of the city from its beginning,” according to his HSMC application. “I was born and raised in Marshalltown and in travels all over the world it is always a pleasure to come home. I want to help preserve our history and share it with others.”

He cited in his application organizational and research skills and desire to “convey the information of Marshalltown to the community.”

“Rick is a perfect fit for the HSMC,” said former Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer on Sunday. “In my discussions with him, he has been knowledgeable on local historical events and individuals. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and is well-read. This includes the scripts from plays that he acts in and directs. The MCT is just one of the many measures he has given back to Marshalltown. He is also an accomplished businessman.”

Howell, 39, is the daughter of the late HSMC and Genealogical Interest Group president Dan Brandt of Marshalltown. Sadly, he passed away in January 2025 at the age of 80.

He was serving as president of HSMC when he died but left a legacy of commitment and volunteerism.

“Dan was the best HSMC president I ever served with,” said veteran HSMC board member Julie Lang of Marshalltown.

Howell said she too has a passion for history and genealogy passed down from her father.

“The HSMC has a wealth of history which includes records and artifacts,” she said. “I wanted to join the board so I could promote and educate Marshall County communities about what our organization has to offer. And I also wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and help to continue to grow HSMC.”

Howell is employed as a customer service representative at Pinnacle Bank in Toledo. She resides in Marshalltown with her husband Cory and their two sons.

“On behalf of HSMC, we are excited that Rick and Amy expressed interest in joining,” said Roseburrough. “Their applications were unanimously approved. Both bring strong skill sets which will be put to good use.”

Roseburrough has been the volunteer president of HSMC since March 2025. She is assisted in management by seven volunteer directors.

HSMC was established in 1908 and is a certified 501© 3 not-for-profit organization. Its mission is “to preserve and educate.”

The organization’s annual income is derived primarily from memberships, endowments and investments. It does not receive city, county or federal funding.

Key annual accomplishments include management of the Edel Blacksmith Shop in Haverhill from Memorial Day through Labor Day and the 19th century one-room country school reenactments for area elementary school children at Taylor School No. 4.

The one room school house is in the 10 block of North 2nd Street in Marshalltown.

HSMC also sponsors a monthly “History on Second Tuesday” public service information event open to the public and free-of-charge.

The HSMC is headquartered at 503 W. Main St. in Marshalltown — the Mowry Irvine Mansion — where staff also manage a collection of county artifacts and the Frances Rhoades Williams Research library.

Dorie Tammen of Marshalltown is the HSMC library assistant. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

It is open year-round 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information, contact HSMC at 641-752-6664 or info@hsmcia.org.