Kalona Historical Society was one of the many recipients of a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. According to Steve Reif with the Historical Village they received almost 23,000 dollars and were able to use the money for a number of things. A large part of the grant went towards electrical upgrades and putting new roofs on the General Store and the schoolhouse. Also new porches were put on the General Store and their Victorian era house. The rest went towards minor repairs. While the additions are new, they’re stylized to fit the period the building was built.

Reif adds that he appreciates the Washington County Riverboat Foundation giving these grants to non-profits, because it helps the Historical Society keep the grounds and facilities looking the way they do.