Discover the hidden gem
of Mahaska County…
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.
upcoming events & programs
Family All Ages
Opening Weekend – Great Iowa Road Trip
We are pleased to be part of the Great Iowa Road Trip! No appointments necessary for this event. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Guided tours available at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. You may explore the grounds at your own pace or join a guided tour of our buildings. Regular admission rates […]
Learn MoreAdult Class
Hammer In
Join our blacksmith Aaron Huff to learn about historic techniques, use different tools, and create a project to take home. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring your own PPE. Safety glasses or prescription glasses will need to be worn along with leather gloves. If you do not have safety glasses or gloves […]
Learn MoreFree
Library Treasures
Join our newest monthly program featuring the many treasures housed in our genealogy and research library. Our librarian Joan Vande Weerdhof will showcase a piece of our archives with a casual conversation to follow. Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required […]
Learn MoreGeneral
Quarterly Meeting
Every quarter, members of the Historical Society enjoy a fellowship meal and program. It’s a great chance to connect with like-minded people and get updates about the site. Members are encouraged to bring a guest who may be interested in joining the Society. Meal is for members and prospective members at 6:30 p.m. The local […]
Learn MoreFree
Artifact Spotlight
New for 2021, join our curator Margaret as she digs into our collection storage to feature items currently not on exhibit. Every 4th Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required in the museum building. To accommodate a field trip, May’s Artifact Spotlight will be at 2 […]
Learn MoreFree
Library Treasures
Our newest monthly program featuring the many treasures housed in our genealogy and research library. Our librarian Joan Vande Weerdhof will showcase a piece of our archives with a casual conversation to follow. Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required in […]
Learn MoreFamily All Ages
Knots, Loops, and Other Twisted Crafts
Join our annual celebration of textiles with live demonstrations, themed scavenger hunts, and a make and take table. Free admission, donations appreciated. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Demos include: rope making, weaving, spinning, hardanger, hand quilting, and more! *Interested in demonstrating? Please contact Margaret at curator@nelsonpioneer.org or call the office at 641.672.2989* This is […]
Learn MoreAdult Class
Hammer In
Join our blacksmith Aaron Huff to learn about historic techniques, use different tools, and create a project to take home. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring your own PPE. Safety glasses or prescription glasses will need to be worn along with leather gloves. If you do not have safety glasses or gloves […]
Learn MoreFree
Artifact Spotlight
New for 2021, join our curator Margaret as she digs into our collection storage to feature items currently not on exhibit. Every 4th Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required in the museum building. After the program, visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic/brown bag […]
Learn MoreFamily All Ages
Laura’s Days
Our annual family event with crafts, games, and exploration is back! Registration will open June 1. Detailed list of activities coming soon! Two different series of craft activities will be offered every Tuesday-Friday throughout July, with each series being repeated. This is not a day camp. The idea is for the adults and children to […]
Learn MoreAdult Class
Hammer In
Join our blacksmith Aaron Huff to learn about historic techniques, use different tools, and create a project to take home. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring your own PPE. Safety glasses or prescription glasses will need to be worn along with leather gloves. If you do not have safety glasses or gloves […]
Learn MoreFree
Library Treasures
Join our newest monthly program featuring the many treasures housed in our genealogy and research library. Our librarian Joan Vande Weerdhof will showcase a piece of our archives with a casual conversation to follow. Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required […]
Learn MoreFree
Artifact Spotlight
New for 2021, join our curator Margaret as she digs into our collection storage to feature items currently not on exhibit. Every 4th Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required in the museum building. After the program, visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic/brown bag […]
Learn MoreFamily All Ages
Dog Hollow Rendezvous
Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Historic Re-enactment with the Timberwolf Rendezvousers. Visit with a great group of buckskinners to learn about the fur trade era. Demos, vendors, and music. Public is welcome to visit the encampment, but are asked to adhere to social distancing […]
Learn MoreFree
Library Treasures
Join our newest monthly program featuring the many treasures housed in our genealogy and research library. Our librarian Joan Vande Weerdhof will showcase a piece of our archives with a casual conversation to follow. Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required […]
Learn MoreAdult Class
Hammer In
Join our blacksmith Aaron Huff to learn about historic techniques, use different tools, and create a project to take home. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring your own PPE. Safety glasses or prescription glasses will need to be worn along with leather gloves. If you do not have safety glasses or gloves […]
Learn MoreGeneral
Quarterly Meeting
Every quarter, members of the Historical Society enjoy a fellowship meal and program. It’s a great chance to connect with like-minded people and get updates about the site. Members are encouraged to bring a guest who may be interested in joining the Society. Meal is for members and prospective members at 6:30 p.m. The local […]
Learn MoreFree
Artifact Spotlight
New for 2021, join our curator Margaret as she digs into our collection storage to feature items currently not on exhibit. Every 4th Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required in the museum building. After the program, visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic/brown bag […]
Learn MoreFree
Library Treasures
Join our newest monthly program featuring the many treasures housed in our genealogy and research library. Our librarian Joan Vande Weerdhof will showcase a piece of our archives with a casual conversation to follow. Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in our 3rd floor library.* Free admission. Masks are required […]
Learn MoreFamily All Ages
55th Annual Fall Festival – 2021
Join our celebration of pioneer living and fun-filled community event on Sat. Sept. 18. Food, music, crafts and games, historic harvesting demonstrations, and more. Check back for more details.
Learn MoreGeneral
Quarterly Meeting
Every quarter, members of the Historical Society enjoy a fellowship meal and program. It’s a great chance to connect with like-minded people and get updates about the site. Members are encouraged to bring a guest who may be interested in joining the Society. There will also be a brief business meeting for Society members for […]
Learn MoreGet Involved
BECOME A MEMBER!
Join a vibrant community of members, volunteers, and donors that brings our mission to life! With affordable memberships for individuals and families, our members keep us engaged and are actively involved with MCHS. You can enjoy early registrations, member discounts to programs, and other perks year-round. Learn more here!