The Johnny Carson Birthplace house in Corning, Iowa, has been acquired for development into a museum and tourist attraction.

We are indebted to Ed Chappell for buying the property and extremely excited about a newly-formed Johnny Carson Birthplace Society!

Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show are known around the world. Johnny had a rather humble beginning in Corning, yet obtained worldwide fame. We know that many of Johnny’s followers will travel here to see where this man’s life started. The economic value of this unique resource to Corning, to southwest Iowa, and to the state will be big.

The new Johnny Carson Birthplace Society is the nonprofit 501 (c) 3 corporation that will accomplish the preservation and development of this project. The Society has signed a legal agreement with Ed Chappell to purchase the property at his cost and close the deal as soon as possible. There are also repairs to the house that need to be made. We need your help with funding this effort.

While Johnny’s fame was his entertainment, his contributions of millions of dollars for worthwhile causes to serve humanity was his quality of greatness. This is our opportunity to pay tribute to this great man and extend his legacy.

We are writing this letter to ask you to join this community development effort with a tax deductible contribution to the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society. Below, you may print a pledge card explaining several donation options. You can make your gift whatever size you want, but please consider the gift today. Thank-you in advance for your contribution to keeping Corning, Adams County, and southwest Iowa growing and we look forward to hearing from you!

Donations of $25 + receive a charter membership card.
Donations of $50 + receive a card and a membership certificate suitable for framing.
Donations of $100 + receive a card, certificate and a copy of People's Tribute to Johnny Carson book, (while supplies last)

Please click here to print your pledge card today! Mail the card and your donation to:

Johnny Carson Birthplace Society
701 Davis Avenue
Corning, Iowa 50841