Welcome to the Winneshiek County Historical Society

We have moved to a new location and are welcoming visitors at 302 S Mill St Decorah, IA

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Locust School

The Locust School was Built in
1854 from rock quarried on the
Ruffridge farm. The School was
in use every year from 1854 to
1960, or 106 years, an Iowa
record for continuous service.

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Old Winneshiek County Jail

Built in 1878, stopped being used
in October 2000 when a new 40
bed jail was built at the Law
Enforcement Center.

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Bodensteiner House

The Bodensteiner House was gifted to the WCHS by Joe and Emily Bodensteiner, in 2016. A Bodensteiner Committee of WCHS has been established and plans are underway for renovation.

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Mission Statement: To protect, collect, preserve and promote the written, oral and tangible items of historical importance to Winneshiek County and to cooperate with other organizations to accomplish common goals. Office Locations: The main office is located in the Landers-Adams-Bodensteiner House at 302 S Mill St Decorah, IA.  The historical archives are located at the Old County Jail building at 202 West Broadway St Decorah, IA.