Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum

The Mahaska County Historical Society was founded in 1942. They began to preserve artifacts of Mahaska County history and display them in a museum at the Mahaska County Courthouse. In 1958, the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum was born. Daniel and Margaret Nelson settled their farm in 1843. They raised six children here. Two Civil War veteran mules made their home with the family. In 1958 when grandchildren Roy and Lillian died, the farm became the home of the Mahaska County Historical Society. Since 1964 we have been honoring rural pioneer men and women, sharing details of their lives and thoughts in the places they lived and worked. Uncover the skills they had and the items they left behind.

Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum is owned and operated by Mahaska County Historical Society. The farm/museum is home to 15 historic buildings gathered from across the county. NPFM is a great place to learn about the history, the heritage, and the people of Mahaska County. Programs and events focus on living history and agricultural skills and crafts from 1845 to 1958.