Audubon County Historical Society

06/13/2026

You are looking at about 130 years (1896-2017) of Audubon County Newspapers in a new display at the Exira Historical Museum. The newspapers are bound by edition (Audubon and Exira) and year and are displayed chronologically. These are not just for display, but for your enjoyment and research; but be warned, allow yourself ample time, because once you start, it’s difficult to stop. The archive room is spacious and has a large table to spread out and enjoy your reading. It is a work in progress and we are currently working on getting the rest of the shelves organized by categories ( school hx, social, county history, state history, and more).

The museum is open today, and every Saturday, from noon to 3:00, and by appointment.

06/11/2026

The elk have always been a favorite at Nathaniel Hamlin Park and the oat dispensing machine and feeding chute have been equally as popular. Unfortunately, the oat dispenser has served its last grain of oats and is beyond repair.
Do not despair. The Audubon County Historical Society has “bagged up” some fun, and oats, for you. You can purchase these bags of Elk Chow at both the Hamlin and Exira Museums. They are also available for purchase at a few local businesses, including the Public Library and Exira Flower Supply in Exira and the Bakery on Broadway in Audubon. We hope to offer more options in the future. The ones located in businesses are self serving, so you will need the correct change ( and an honest heart😉).
The park currently house two adult females, two yearlings, one baby, and another baby is expected soon. A new bull elk will be arriving soon, also.

05/17/2026

The Audubon County Historical Society has been working long and hard in preparation for the opening of the upcoming season. Both the Nathaniel Hamlin Park and the Exira Historical Museum will be open Saturdays, noon to 3:00pm from Memorial weekend through August and by appointment.

The ACHS board has worked all winter planning future events, addressing maintenance issues, prioritizing lists for improvements, and working on ways to keep the museums open for the public. Like most non profit entities, funding and financial support is always a challenge. Facility improvements and displays require funds that are generated through donations, grants, and fundraisers. We have been very fortunate, and grateful, to have received some generous donations and grants, recently, that have allowed us to make much needed improvements to both facilities. We are also very appreciative that so many people think of us when dispersing items of historical value and donate to our displays.

The Audubon County Historical Society would like to thank all of you that have donated to our organization in the past. Without that support, we simply would not exist. Please keep us in mind if you, your family, your friends group, or organization would like to make a donation to help us continue on the path of preserving our history. You might also wish to remember the Audubon County Historical Society in your estate planning. Donations can be sent to Dennis Carter (2250 Pheasant Ave, Hamlin, IA 50117) or given to any ACHS board member.

Most importantly, the greatest support you can give us is to visit these exceptional facilities. Both locations have added to their displays and made facility improvements over the past year.

“So much of our future lies in preserving our past” - Peter Westbrook

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

The Exira Historical Museum is home to a one-of-a-kind exhibit with A.G. Anderson’s nail collection. This display has been classified as the most complete nail collection in the country, and possibly the world. Mr Anderson spent approximately 20 years collecting, labeling, and displaying nearly 8000 nails from across the country, and even across the ocean. Keep in mind, this was long before the internet was available to assist with this endeavor.

Last week we had the joy, and privilege, to view the collection with Mr Anderson’s grandson and great-grandsons, Ron, Matt, and Joe Anderson.

Come check out this exhibit( now , with new lighting) in Exira. All of the Audubon Co Museums will be opening Memorial weekend and will be continue to open every Saturday through the summer months from noon-3:00pm. As always, we are happy to arrange visits at other times as long as staff is available.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Author unknown

09/15/2025

Thank you to all for joining us at our “Elk”cellent celebration, today! We hope you ehjoed the day
As a little reminder, the museums are closed f to regular hours for the season, but we are happy to schedule a tour.

09/04/2025

07/25/2025

We have worked out a short term solution, for the rest of the season! While we continue to work on a longer term solution, come visit us! Trails and Elk viewing area at Nathaniel Hamlin Park are accessible every day of the week. Museum hours are 12-3 on Saturdays, through Labor Day. Come visit us at Nathaniel Hamlin Park, and our Museum in Exira!

06/10/2025

‼️ATTENTION‼️

Our facilities will be closed, until further notice.

We have been dropped by our insurance carrier, and are in the process of figuring out a path forward.

Thank you for your understanding.

05/29/2025

‼️‼️‼️UPDATE ‼️‼️‼️

We will be extending our deadline to collect the original copies of the probate files. New date to be determined at our June meeting.

Our current inventory contains probates from 1855-1935.

In the meantime, continue to reach out if interested!

If interested, it helps us if you have particular names to look for (first/last), and the year of death.

Also, there has been some confusion over what these records pertain to… these are probate records, and not property abstracts. Probates are court filings, typically regarding wills and distribution of property. If you are looking for more information about your home/business, abstracts are what you’re looking for!

However, probates are still neat, if you’re looking for genealogical information. Some of those that have collected probates, pertaining to their ancestors, have found some neat information!