Flat Carver – 10 Weeks of Summer Fun
Weekly Hunt – Starting June 9
Various locations in and around Winterset
George Washington Carver lived and worked in Winterset from 1888 to 1890. Here he contemplated his future direction and decided to enroll in Simpson College in Indianola.
Each Monday, a Flat Carver image will be placed at a new location, in and around Winterset, that represents a period or event to Carver’s life. Also starting on Monday, single clues will be posted throughout the week on the Madison County Historical Complex Facebook page, until Flat Carver is found.
Once found, bring Flat Carver to the Historical Museum for a summer treat. Each Friday an additional Facebook post will explain the significance of that location to Carver’s life story.
Community Band on The Hill
Thursday evenings, June 5, 12, 19, and 26; July 3 and 10
6:00 pm Meal, 7:00 pm Concert
Museum Grounds
Each Thursday evening, music will flow from The Hill starting at 7:00 pm. The Community Band will entertain the crowd with their tunes along with a unique intermission act each week.
At 6:00 pm, a meal is available from a different local group, with a free-will offering.
So come on out to The Hill with your lawn chair or blanket, enjoy a summer meal under the trees, and entertainment by local musicians and performers.
Monthly Hill O’ Beans Coffee Social
June 10, 9:00 am
Museum Lounge
Free to all, duration: 1 hour
Join us on the second Tuesday of each month for a short presentation on a historic topic and to share your insights. You will learn something unexpected while enjoying coffee and treats.
This month’s topic is “Bennett Cabin History and Restoration.” A Bennett family member will provide the cabin’s history and Winterset Parks & Rec, along with Heritage Woodworks Iowa and Shive-Hattery Engineering, will discuss the restoration process.
It’s Father’s Day – Let’s Go to History On The Hill
June 15, Noon to 5:00 pm
Museum Complex
Free to all
Let’s celebrate fathers with a free outing on their special day. Not only will Dad be able to look through the vast collections in the McKee barn, visit three galleries of museum exhibits, and wander through the other buildings on the Complex, such as the Winterset train depot and Martin Bros. gas station… his whole family will, too! And at NO charge.
We look forward to becoming part of your Father’s Day tradition.
2025’s Special Exhibits Await You
May 1 to October 15
Museum Building
In the South Gallery, you will find “Wood Craftsmanship: Highlights from the Collection.” Spot the similarities between your home and our collection of furniture, and learn about some of the tools used to create them. Enhanced by artwork and other housewares, this exhibit is filled with craftsmanship.
In the North Gallery, we have reset last year’s popular exhibit “Madison County Alphabet Soup.” The only thing the artifacts in this exhibit have in common is that they represent Madison County! From aviation to quarries to Pythians, and a bed for good measure, enjoy a stroll through the alphabet via objects that represent all 26 letters!
Museum Open Daily Through October 15, 2025
Mon – Sat 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm
The Museum, Bevington Mansion, and other historic buildings await your arrival starting May 1 to October 15, 2025. We look forward to you joining us to browse the museum, take a guided tour through the Bevington Mansion, and visit our other 12 authentic, historic buildings. Plus you may spy a few chickens, peacocks, ducks, and cats!
Members receive free unlimited visits for themselves and a guest. Please consider a visit when you have family or a family reunion in town to show them what it means to be part of Madison County. Group rates are available.