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
General
Last Day of the Season
Be sure to visit our site before we close for the season! Enjoy a self-guided tour or request a guided tour from our staff. Updated ticketing information coming soon!
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Prohibition in Eastern Iowa
Join author Linda McCann as she discusses her book Prohibition in Eastern Iowa. According to her author biography, Linda encourages her audience to: “Explore Iowa history and Iowa stories with one of our state’s most prolific researchers and writers. Linda has traveled and spoken to hundreds of individuals and groups about the history and narrative […]
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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 […]
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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!