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Construction of this museum began in 1979 and holds the collections of the Madison County Historical Society, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the county. The complex is comprised of fourteen historic structures and the modern building which holds exhibits. One of the historic buildings in the complex is the Bevington Mansion, which was constructed in 1856. Other historic structures include a gas station, log school, the Winterset train depot, and a Blacksmith shop. The Society's collection includes tools, farm equipment, Native American artifacts, Civil War and military items, glassware, quilts, household and domestic items, and local business memorabilia.


The Madison County Historical Society was founded in 1904. It has grown to a large complex consisting of 14 historic buildings as well as a modern museum building.

Cloud, Sky, Plant, Window

The historical ociety was established by local resident Herman Mueller in 1904. Mueller collected notes of various business meetings. Seven other men joined him in founding the Society and drafting its by-laws. Mueller served as president for the first 25 years. In 1920, it used a room in the courthouse to display the collection. Sometime in the coming years, the collection was moved to rooms on the third floor. The public could view these rooms by appointment.

The Society was reactivated in 1960. In 1973, it was forced to vacate the rooms in the courthouse and put its collection in storage. The next year, Margaret Guye donated 18.5 acres at this site. After fundraising efforts that accompanied the celebration of the nation's bicentennial, construction of the museum building began in 1979 and was completed in 1980. In the coming years, the historic structures were moved to the site. A barn was also built in 1991. The complex's Bevington Mansion has been restored and features Victorian-era furnishings and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

"History of the Madison County Historical Society." Accessed January 5, 2022. http://historyonthehill.org/history-of-madison-county-historical-society.

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Madison County Historical Society