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.
Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
Sunday, November 2, 2025, Noon
Museum Lounge
Members of the Madison County Historical Society are invited to lunch, Society highlights, and election of the Board of Directors. Bring a friend who would like to join the Society. All are welcome to purchase their membership at the event.
We also take this time to thank our volunteers who serve us faithfully throughout the year, especially with our summer visitors.
A delicious lunch, good conversation, and fun await you. Please RSVP with a call to 515-462-2134.
Mystery & Mayhem Cemetery Walk
Thursday, October 30, 6:30 pm
Winterset Cemetery, enter from south 4th or 5th Streets, park and meet at the gazebo
Free, donations accepted at the event.
Registration is full for this event. We appreciate everyone’s interest.
Hear stories of Madison County’s past and the people who made them. The highlights and heartbreaks of several families will be told.
Plan ahead as to where you will park along the roads in the Winterset Cemetery. Please be at the gazebo to get started at 6:30 p.m. The program will last 45 minutes. We will be walking only a quarter of a mile on level grass and pavement, but wear your walking shoes. Feel free to bring a light chair or flashlight along with you to move from site to site.
Visit us after May 1, 2026 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.
