Daniel and Margaret Nelson settled their farm in 1843. They raised six children here. Two Civil War veteran mules made their home with the family. In 1958 when grandchildren Roy and Lillian died, the farm became the home of the Mahaska County Historical Society.

Since 1964 we have been honoring rural pioneer men and women, sharing details of their lives and thoughts in the places they lived and worked. Uncover the skills they had and the items they left behind.

Join us Tuesday through Saturday every summer for a quiet self-guided exploration or come on a special event day for programs and presentations of days gone by.