Byron Freese curator, beFreese@netins.net or Jim Christianson president; jimamy14@nsn.com
A Reminder of Times Gone By
History and Heritage
The Jones County Historical Society welcomes you to the reconstructed pioneer village of Edinburgh: the original county seat of Jones County, Iowa.
In 1839, Edinburgh was officially designated as the Jones County Seat. The only advantage seemed to be its geographical location, in the center of the county.
Edinburgh never grew to be more than a hamlet of three buildings, the first being a log courthouse. It was built because the circuit judge refused to hold court outdoors. A store and a two story inn followed.
However, the little village was too remote. The county officers refused to live there. Edinburgh did not prosper and in 1847 an election voted to move the county seat to Anamosa.
The Jones County Historical Society has something going on throughout the spring, summer and fall, and they are open for visitors from May thru September on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, or you can set up a visit for private group tours. There are many pioneer exhibits to see throughout the village, so take the time to discover the hidden treasures of this unique Historic Site. Admission is a free will donation.
Explore Jones County Historical Society
There’s so much to see at Jones County Historical Society, with two museum buildings and an entire pioneer village. Explore the highlights, experience the sights and sounds, learn something new, and discover all that the Historic Site has to offer.
The tour of the village includes pioneer era buildings, which are numbered for ease of identification and can be toured in any order.
1. The Norlin Building- Main Museum
2. Small Museum Building
3. One-room School House
4. Log Courthouse
5. This Old House
6. Dr. Joslin's Office
7. Railroad Depot
8. The Lemmer Log Cabin
9. Pioneer Church
10. Blacksmith Shop
11. Veterinary & Dentist Office
12. Machinery Row
13. The Machine Shed
14. Picnic Shelter
What’s Happening
Calendar of Events
There’s always something special going on at Jones County Historical Society. We love showcasing the Historic Site with a variety of events and attractions suited for all our visitors. See our calendar of events for more information.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Held on the first Sunday in May
Come join us for a morning meal at the Depot building. The all you can eat breakfast also includes other items besides pancakes too. The pancake breakfast helps the Historical Society raise funds to maintain and improve Edinburgh Village.
EDINBURGH FOLK FESTIVAL
Held on the last Sunday in August
Come join us for the Edinburgh Folk Festival! Once a year, the village comes alive again
Old fashioned church Service, Tour the buildings and grounds
Lunch featuring Edinburgers, ice cream and home-made pie
Demonstrations of pioneer crafts, vintage equipment and an old time threshing
Special entertainment and programs each year
SAFE TRICK OR TREAT
The Sunday before Halloween: 1pm to 4pm
Admission is free for this trick or treating day for children of all ages. Visit all of the buildings to get treats, with lots of games, bingo, a maze in the picnic shelter and other fun activities. There is also Halloween music and a wagon ride. This is a family fun event that is not intended to be extremely frightening; it is appropriate for children under 10. VISITORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR COSTUMES, after all, it is Halloween!
HOW TO SET UP A VISIT
Edinburgh pioneer village is located 6.6 miles east of Highway 151 off of County Home Road E23 at 13838 Edinburgh Road roughly 2 miles east of Amber, and southwest of Scotch Grove Iowa.
563-487-3711
