Pioneer
Farm & Museum
Admission
Open May through October
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday thru Saturday
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday
Closed Monday
Buses and Tour Groups Welcome
Please make advance arrangements by calling (641) 672-2989
Admission Fees
Adult $7.00
Student (age 5-16) $2.00
Child (under 5, with adult) FREE
Historical Society Member FREE
Individual Annual Member $10.00
Family Annual Member $18.00
Individual Lifetime Member $100.00
Family Lifetime Member $175.00
Copyright 2010-2012. Mahaska County Historical Society Inc. Site deigned & hosted by
The first museum in Iowa to honor the pioneer farmer, Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum is operated by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution. The compound now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America.
Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The Nelson home, built in 1853, and the Nelson barn, built in 1856, are the focal point of the museum and are designated National Historic Sites by the U.S. Department of Interior.
Nelson Pioneer Farm Museum has several buildings on the grounds that can be toured inside and out. Most of these are handicap accessible. Many of these buildings have been moved from their original location to the farm for historic preservation. Both the Daniel Nelson home and barn sit in their original locations. The main museum houses several exhibits, including a quilt display, Indian artifacts, a miniature wooden circus and military memorabilia.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DOCENT TRAINING
Sunday, January 22, 2012, 2:00 PM
OR
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:00 PM
This is an introductory training session for Nelson Pioneer Farm docents. Docents are very important people in museums. The word "docent" means teacher. It is a word commonly used to describe knowledgable volunteers who lead tours for museums and historic sites.
This i a class for volunteers to become docents for Nelson Pioneer Farm. To be a docent, you should be interested in the history that Nelson Farm teaches through its buildings and exhibits. You also should be able to come out to the Farm when asked during daytime school tours in the months of April, May and September, and also when adult tour groups visit in the summertime. Some docents might be asked to come out for a few evening tours or special events.
In our first training session, we'll talk about what is involved in being a Nelson Pioneer Farm Docent. You'll learn about the history of the Farm, the buildings, and about some of the exhibits. Board Member Linda Glandon will also talk about how to make historically-accurate period clothing to wear. We'll share some patterns and ideas and answer any questions you may have.
This initial January training will be followed by meetings in February, March and April.
Quarterly Meeting & Potluck: "Memorial Service"
Monday, February 20, 2012
6:30-8:00 p.m.
The Mahaska County Historical Society invites everyone to Bradbury Hall on the Nelson Farm for a potluck supper, followed by our annual memorial service honoring the Historical Society members who have died in the previous year. Audience members are encouraged to share memories of those who have passed on. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware. For more information call 641-672-2989.
Honoring the Pioneer Farmer
