If you’re a regular reader you’ll know that, up until a few weeks ago, the regular format of Winterset Citizen posts was the “Weekend in Winterset” where I research all of the fun happenings in our groovy town and share them with you cool cats! Well, when you combine a harsh Iowa winter and a global pandemic, there hasn’t been too much happening lately so I’ve been shaking things up with some “spotlight” posts focusing on local non-profit organizations and service groups.
Today, I’m doing a combo—a Spotlight and Weekend in Winterset post combined! So, here we go. First, the spotlight.
Today’s Feature: The Madison County Historical Complex
Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, “Wait, Megan. You just called it the Madison County Historical Complex but this graphic says Society and I thought it was a Museum.” To which I say, “Yes!” So let’s clear up the confusion. The Madison County Historical Complex includes 18 acres and 14 buildings, one of which is the Madison County Historical Museum. The whole complex (including the museum) and the collection of artifacts, are owned and managed by the Madison County Historical Society. So there you have it, you’ll ever use the wrong label again, right?!
Background & History
The society was formed in 1904 for the purposes of recording and preserving the history of Madison County. In the earliest days, rooms in the courthouse (first on the 2nd floor and later on the 3rd) were used to house the society’s acquisitions. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s, however, that the land was acquired (through an anonymous donation) for the current complex. After several years of fundraising, construction began in 1979 on the basement and first floor of the main museum building.
With construction complete, the enormous job of moving and setting up displays began. By September 1980, enough had been done to allow viewing, and for the first month tours were held for clubs and organizations who had given financial help. The museum opened to the public during the Covered Bridge Festival in October 1980, and was formally dedicated on November 2, 1980. The next ten years saw the donation of the Post Office, the Bevington Kaser house, the Zion Church, the Gazebo, the addition of the west wing, and the relocation of the train depot from downtown to the complex.
In 1991, the McKee barn was built to house the farm tools and implements in the collection and the North River School was deeded to the society. Later in that same decade, the Law Office and Martin Gas Station were moved to the complex and the society established an endowment fund.
For more details on the history and development of the museum complex, visit their website.
The Historical Society Today 
In addition to filling the important role of preserving Madison County history for current residents and future generations to learn from, the Madison County Historical Society serves the community through a variety of educational and outreach programs. Museum director, Jared McDonald sat down with me to share some insight into the activities of the MCHS. Jared shared with me a number of collaborative projects that he has worked on with local schools, including one about historical diseases.
The Historical Complex also hosts a variety of community programs each year (which you’ve likely read about right here on The Winterset Citizen) including “Old Fashioned Christmas” and reindeer visits at Christmas Time, the Fun in the Sun car show, and. During the annual Covered Bridge Festival, the museum complex often hosts Civil War re-enactors (including s’mores and a night canon firing), heritage skill demonstrators like blacksmiths and woodworkers, and horse drawn wagon rides, in addition to special displays dedicated to Madison County history and/or the festivals theme, and spearhead the Passport to the Past program.
And even if the museum isn’t open or hosting a program, it’s not unusual to find the grounds crawling with couples out for a stroll, photographers and their subjects, and families greeting the chickens, peacocks and cats (Luna and the late Sunshine). The museum lounge is often rented out for family functions or group meetings and I can personally attest to the fact that Jared and the board are happy to have the grounds used for community events. Through the various organizations with which I am involved, I have held many events at the Historical Complex! In fact, in a recent community survey that the museum showed that 50% of those who visit the museum complex do so for a community event.
Plans for the Future
The community survey that I just mentioned was part of a strategic planning process helping the historical society to look at how they want to continue to serve the county. One of the results of that survey was freshening of their mission statement:
…to engage the public in the heritage, culture, and preservation of Madison County history.
Madison County Historical Society Mission Statement, 2021
This new mission statement places a greater focus on community engagement rather than the acquisition & preservation of artifacts which was more prevalent in their previous mission.
From the survey responses, the society was able to identify four common threads:
- Enhanced Exhibits
- Use of outside space
- Public Relations
- Additional programming for multiple demographics
So what does that all mean? Well, the specifics of all that are going to be determined by the board in the coming months (and likely years) but Jared was able to share with me some of the ideas that are circulating among the board.
A committee has formed, made up of five of the ten board members, to discuss how best to enhance the museum’s current exhibits. There are currently over 85,000 items in the collection so one of the first tasks is to take a look at the collection, eliminate duplicates, and assess pieces based on quality, provenance and their connection to Madison County history. Future plans include grouping artifacts by decades, increased signage, using interactive and electronic display options when possible, and creating more hand-on learning opportunities.
In regards to the use of outdoor space, this may include the addition of picnic areas, a venue space, plots designated for photos, plantings dedicated to birds and pollinators and possibly a trail system. The historical society recently acquired land to the north of the Bevington house (the former care center property) and the board of directors is considering the best use for that space.
Community Involvement
After visiting with director McDonald for quite some time and hearing about the future plans, I was easily caught up in his enthusiasm and passion for the Madison County Historical Complex. I consider myself a dreamer and a ‘big thinker’ as well so I get it—thinking about the future and all the possibilities it holds is thrilling. Turning dreams and plans into reality, though, takes a lot of work. So I asked Jared, why this was important to him and what made the extra work seem worthwhile. Jared pointed to the role that the museum plays in the community in terms of education and fostering appreciation of who we are and where we come from. He’s also places a great emphasis on the museum having relevancy in the community and creating connections between citizens.
Jared is a highly-involved Winterset Citizen. In addition to directing the historical society, he sits on the hospital and school boards, is an active member of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce having served as an ambassador and on the the board. I consider Jared an ally in my quest to encourage community service and civic participation among a younger set of citizens. I’m a huge fan of the Madison County Historical Complex and am excited to see what the next few years bring about for the organization!
Weekend in Winterset • February 26th
The First Wives Club
Saturday • 2/27 • 7:00pm
The Iowa Theater
Despondent over the marriage of her ex-husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcee plunges to her death from her penthouse. At the woman’s funeral, her former college friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton) reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years. When the three discover the reason for their friend’s death, they realize that all of their ex-husbands have taken them for granted – and deciding it’s time for revenge, they make a pact to get back at their exes.
The March schedule at The Iowa is full of slapstick comedy!
Baseball Clinic
March 1st-9th • 3:30 – 4:30pm
Hosted by Winterset Parks & Recreation and Husky Baseball
Believe it or not, baseball season is around the corner! If your young slugger wants to get a jumpstart on his baseball skills for this year, go to the Winterset Parks & Recreation webpage to register for this baseball clinic which will be instructed by the Husky Baseball coaching staff and players.
Snowman Building Contest
Submit photos by March 1st
With warmer temps in the forecast, this may be your last weekend (fingers crossed) to build a snowman and submit your photo for the WPRD Snowman building contest! One family will win an Aquatic Center pass. Email your photos to wprd@cwmu.net or direct message them to the WPRD Facebook page by Monday.
Local Food Leader Training
Tuesdays • March 16 – July 13
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has transitioned its nationally recognized Local Food Leader professional development certification course to a virtual format. This certification includes cohort workshops hosted through Zoom and online curricula through Moodle.
The first online workshop of 2021 begins on March 16 and ends July 13; registration closes March 5. The course integrates live online instruction with a set of online modules completed at participants’ own pace. Those who successfully finish the course will receive a certificate of completion.
See more information about each course, including schedules and registration, at this link. Questions? Contact Kaley Hohenshell at kaleyh@iastate.edu.
Greater Madison County Community Foundation Grants
Applications accepted now through March 26th
The 2021 grant season administered by the Greater Madison County Community Foundation is now open. If you represent a non-profit organization in Madison County with a project idea that needs funding, visit madisoncountyfoundation.org for application and details.
Winterset Aquatic Center Passes on Sale
Purchase by May 16th for a discount
The City of Winterset announced that they will be opening the Winterset Aquatic Center this year, and opening day is scheduled for May 31st. Family passes are on sale now through the WPRD website and discounts are available through May 16th.
Adult Coed Softball League
Thursdays • May 6 – July 29 • 6:00pm
Register Teams by April 23rd
Missing your friends? (yes!) Feeling a little heavier than you were this time last year? (uh huh!) Grab those friends and get them on the field this summer for some coed softball. Register your team ($250 by April 23rd) with the Winterset Parks & Recreation Department.
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American State Bank
Anchored Walls
Ben Franklin
Blanchard Family Dentistry
Covered Bridge Realty
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Homefront Real Estate
The Iowa Theater
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
Lowe Chiropractic Clinic
Madison County Health Care System
Madison County Historical Society
McGowen Hurst Clark Smith
Medicap Pharmacy
Midwest Heritage Bank
Montross Pharmacy
State Farm, Charlotte Speer
Union State Bank
Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio
Winterset Optimist Club
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department