Buchanan County Genealogical Society - 103 4th Ave. SE, Independence, IA 50644
The BCGS maintains an extensive archive of obituaries, historic documents. and early publications in the lower level of the Independence City Hall. Use the door on the east side of the building and following the signs. You will need to go down the stairs. Hours: are Mondays 10:00am-2:00pm and Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm or by appointment. Information is provided on a fee basis. Contact: 319-334-9333 Website |
Aurora Museum - 316 Main St., Aurora, IA 50607
Housed in a restored 19th century hardware store, the Aurora Museum will surprise you with its thoughtful displays and detailed old-time stories. The museum opens on Saturday of Memorial Day for the summer season. Summer hours are from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Wednesdays & Saturdays or by appointment. Contact Aurora Historical Society: 319-634-3396 |
Brandon GAR Hall
The Brandon GAR Hall was constructed in 1887 by Civil War Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic. It is listed as an Iowa Civil War Monument and has been used for many years as the Jefferson Township Hall. The hall features early photos of Brandon and Buchanan County's role in the Civil War. The Brandon Historical Society is currently restoring the 1915 two-story bank building to house an area museum. |
Historic Downtown Independence
The history and architecture of downtown Independence are highlighted in a self-guided walking tour using QR Codes that can be scanned with a smartphone. QR Code Signs appear in the windows of various businesses along 1st Street East and 2nd Avenue Northeast. For those without smartphones, links to the information are provided on Buchanan County Tourism's website, Historic Downtown Independence QR Code Tour, 1870-1920. |
4 Corner History Museum - 103 E. Main St., Fairbank, IA 50629
Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm or by appointment. Contact Fairbank Historical Society: 319-269-6795 |
The Country School Museum - 116 Main Street, Hazleton, IA 50641
The museum offers the visitor a view of the history of the Hazleton area schools. The building was originally known as "Hazlewood School #3," a former one-room country school building. It has been completely restored with careful attention to historic detail. The school building itself serves as a tribute to a bygone era. Admission is free/donations are accepted. Open by appointment. Contact: 319-636-2559 Website |
Littleton-Chatham Museum
This museum, located in the former Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has an exceptional display of local history. Included are scale models of buildings from the early years of Littleton and Chatham created by Dick O'Brien, a local craftsman. The building is available for public use. Open by appointment. Call (319) 415-1175 to schedule a time or reserve the building. Website |
Rowley Historical Society Museum - Ely Street, Rowley, IA 52329
The Rowley Historical Society Museum was established in 2009. It is open on Sundays noon to 2pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day or by appointment. For appointment call 563-920-4567 or 319-938-2833. |
Winthrop Historical Center - 235 W. Madison, Winthrop, IA 50682
The Winthrop Historical Center first opened its doors in 2007. It is open to the public during Winthrop Days and other special events. Come see the new collections and wall art currently on display! Contact the Winthrop City Hall at 319-935-3317 for tour information. Website |