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The Madison County Historical Complex

Open May 1 to October 15 each year, the Complex welcomes individuals, families, and tour groups as we fulfill our mission to engage the public in the heritage, culture, and preservation of Madison County History.

Historical Society Seeking
120 New Members in their 120th Year

In March, 2024, the Madison County Historical Society kicked off a special Membership Campaign to enlist 120 new members in our 120th year. We are asking you to become a member to help foster history in Madison County.

In 1904, 10 foresighted individuals realized that Madison County history was endangered by the deaths of its earliest settlers. They began accumulating what they termed “relics” and remembrances. Due to their efforts and the work of others throughout 120 years, the Historical Society is thriving with 25 acres, 14 buildings, and countless artifacts and documents that record every era of Madison County history.

These items have been catalogued, preserved, and displayed for the enjoyment of visitors, researching by students at all levels, and are vital to family historians. Madison County communities, school districts, and organizations call upon this collection to understand their past.

Won’t you support the effort of so many and help us meet our goal?
A membership form can be found here.

Volunteers of the Madison County Historical Complex Receive 2023 Historic Preservation Award

At the 2023 Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, the Madison County Antique Association presented their annual Historic Preservation Award, in their words, “to the volunteers who have been the heartbeat of the Madison County Historical Society since it was organized in 1904. Countless volunteers have helped throughout the years to manage and move the collections, to plan and build the museum and its addition, and to move or incorporate buildings into the Madison County Historical Complex to create ‘History on the Hill.’ Volunteer tour guides have been a part of the Society since the beginning and have infused their enthusiasm for history into those they have guided.”

“The Society is forever indebted to its countless volunteers and board members over 119 years and is always seeking those who would like to assist in bringing history alive within Madison County and beyond.”

The Madison County Historical Complex whole-heartedly agrees that volunteers are essential and deserve to be recognized for their invaluable service.

Visit us in 2024 to explore the past through the lens of local history.

The Madison County Historical Complex is located on 25 picturesque acres on the south edge of Winterset, Iowa. Its crown jewel is the 1856 Bevington Mansion constructed by C.D. “Doc” Bevington, restored and furnished in rich Victorian style.

Our collections include Civil War and military items, quilts, glassware, local business memorabilia, household and domestic items, early farm machinery and technology, tools and barbed wire, rocks, fossils, Native American Artifacts, and a research library. Visitors can take their time exploring our grounds, structures and exhibits, or reserve a space here for a special event or gathering with built-in opportunities for entertainment and beautiful photos.

Represented in this complex is a lasting record of a way of life of the people of Madison County, Iowa preserved for all to see, treasure and enjoy.

Structures & Exhibits

Structures & Exhibits

Facility Rental

Facility Rental

Volunteer

Volunteer

Donate to Collection

Donate to Collection

Please visit and come back often to experience History on the Hill.