Van Buren County Historical Society

03/24/2026

Bring your friends, your family, and your curiosity; this is one of those special nights where stories, laughter, and history all come together under one roof.

12/11/2025

📣 Exciting News for Iowa history and genealogy researchers! The State Historical Society of Iowa is proud to announce the continuation of our partnership with Ancestry.com (), expanding free public access (with no cost to taxpayers) to millions of newly digitized archival documents. 🤝 Over the next two years, SHSI and Ancestry will work together to digitally image and integrate more than one million additional records from the State Archives into Ancestry’s searchable database. 💻🔍

These newly available collections include:
• Iowa vital records
• State-level military files, including Iowa National Guard enlistments and WWI & WWII casualty files
• Iowa State Prison records, including convict registers, Bertillon cards and mug shots

Together, these materials offer researchers, students, and genealogists unprecedented access to Iowa’s past. The SHSI x Ancestry.com collaboration helps further preserve Iowa’s rich history and make it accessible to people around the world who trace their family stories back to our state. 👏

🔎 How to Access:
1) Iowans can explore these records for free using SHSI’s complimentary institutional Ancestry account at our Research Centers (https://history.iowa.gov/visit/research-centers)
2) Ancestry subscribers can explore digitized files as they processed and released on a rolling basis at www.ancestry.com

💡 Learn more and start exploring!

08/04/2025

👀 Sneak Peek: Twombly Museum Night at the Museum - Remembering Sheep Empire Days! 🐑
Get a glimpse of vintage photos and memorabilia this Wednesday, August 6th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm for a walk down memory lane.

Can’t wait to see you there!

07/31/2025

🧶🐑 Remembering Sheep Empire Days 🐑🧶
This Wednesday, August 6, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Twombly Museum to take a trip down memory lane!

Come relive the memories of the beloved Sheep Empire Days. See old photos, flyers, and fun memorabilia from past events, and enjoy light refreshments while you reminisce. Got any keepsakes from Sheep Empire Days? Bring them along to share!

Let’s celebrate the spirit of this historic event that brought our community together. Don’t miss it!

06/13/2025

We hope to see you this Saturday, June 14! 10am-2pm

06/02/2025

Join us at the Twombly Museum this Wednesday for a fun night celebrating all the fun things happening in Van Buren County this summer. We'll have information on events, fairs, and fun.

Light refreshments will be provided.

02/27/2025

🎉🎂 You're Invited to a Birthday Bash! 🎂🎉

Join us as we throw a fantastic open house to celebrate the one and only Mr. Twombly! 🎈🎁

There will be delicious treats, including a mouthwatering birthday cake, and plenty of fun to go around! 🧁🎉

Come for the cake, stay for the laughs—let's make this birthday one to remember! 🎊🎉

See you there! 🥳

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from the Van Buren County Historical Society!🎄

This holiday season, we’re reminded of the timeless traditions and rich history that make the Villages of Van Buren County so special. From the stories of our past to the memories we create today, our heritage continues to shine bright!

Wishing you a joyful Christmas filled with warmth, love, and a little reflection on the beautiful history that unites us all. Thank you for being part of our journey to preserve and celebrate the legacy of our county!

12/20/2024

Have you been to Keosauqua, an Iowa historic town on the Des Moines River? Step back in time to its 19th century hotel and buildings.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from the Van Buren County Historical Society!
As we gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on the rich history and traditions that make our community so special. We’re thankful for all who help keep our history alive!

06/03/2024

The Pearson House Pioneer Adventures is happing this Saturday! Fun for everyone, hands-on, educational, and say hi to Finn the goat.

05/27/2024