We are the North Lee County Historical Society in Fort Madison, Iowa. Located at 810 10th St near the corner of Avenue H, Business 61/Iowa 2 and 10th Street.

We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. We operate on your donations. Thank you!

NLCHS has special funds set up for Brush College, the Old Lee County Jail, the Historic Center and the steam engine in Riverview park. If you want to specify where your donation goes - you are able to do so.    Volunteers welcome!

Brush College: Was built in about 1877. It is a one room schoolhouse located a short drive north of Fort Madison. We are currently getting the roof repaired so donations to this fund are even more important. If you wish to visit Brush College please call us ahead of time so we can have one of our volunteers be there for you. The schoolhouse is still ready and waiting for students of all ages with desks for all.

Old Lee County Jail: Built in 1867 is the oldest exsisting jail in Iowa. It is located next to the Lee County Court House in Fort Madison. Again, if you wish to tour this interesting old stone structure please call us ahead of time for a volunteer and your own bunk in a cell. 

Santa Fe Railway 2913 the big and FAST steam locomotive sits in Riverview Park near the entrance. While the city owns it we get the honor of showing her off to the public. She worked hard for 11 years on the mainline of the Santa Fe Ry from Fort Madison to Los Angeles, California. We have a fund established to help us maintain it for the city.

Santa Fe Railway RED caboose 999235 served on the mainline on fast freights like the Super C, as well as it's last assignment working as the West Local "Waycar" out of Fort Madison. The Waycar 235 has now been elevated along with the depot complex above the flood level. So we are now making plans to repaint her inside and out and have it open soon for inspection when the walk ramp is restored.

We want to thank those that are able to give their time and money so that we can remain open to all regardless of ability to pay. All are welcome! If you have a special interest and want to volunteer your time and share your experience we need your help.

NLCHS is now on Facebook.

Visit us there and if you "like" our page, you can follow our updates.

DO NOT FORGET OUR GIFT SHOP WHERE WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF POSTCARDS, T-SHIRTS, CAPS, ETC.

Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society Mini-meet in   Fort Madison, IA April 14, 2012

Thanks to all the volunteers and the 5 programs we had a successful first Mini-meet in team work with the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society. There were many requests for another one next year. So if you missed it this year look forward to next year! We'll have a new line-up and look at expanding the show once we get moved back into the Santa Fe Depot complex.

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Line Up of program

Notice: The museum formerly housed in the ATSF Historic Depot Complex is now located in the Old CB&Q Depot to the north of the ATSF and although space is limited most all of the displays are set up. Contractors are raising the ATSF Complex above the flood plain during the next year.

Meetings:

Are held on the 2nd Tuesday each month and are open to the public.

Our next regular monthly meeting will be: Tuesday May 8 at 7 p.m. in the CB&Q depot.

Become a volunteer!

If you would like more information or to become a volunteer, you may stop at the museum or Contact Us.

Exhibits of Special Interest

Santa Fe Railway

Native American Display

Civil War

Early Fort Madison & Lee County History

Iowa State Penitentiary

Sheaffer Pens

Pioneer Farm Equipment

Silsbee Fire Engine

Ice Harvesting Display

Iowa & Fort Madison Jaycee History

Gift Shop