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.
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 it 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
Facility Rental
Volunteer
