About Us

The Jackson County Historical Society is a private non-profit corporation headquartered in Maquoketa, Iowa. . The first Jackson County Historical Society was chartered in 1903 and active for many years. It was “renewed” in 1964, and found a permanent home on the County Fairgrounds when the Pearson Memorial Center was built. It has a membership of approximately 400, many of whom are active and dedicated volunteers. The Society is governed by a 12 member Board of Directors, each serving a three year term.

Jackson County Museum at the Jackson County Fairgrounds

This site has been dedicated to the general history of Jackson County. Newspapers, exhibits, and artifacts collected throughout many areas in Jackson County history. Also home to the Iowa Orphan Train Research Center, and the Penningroth Machine Shed. The machine shed is home many of the tools, and machinery used through the county. Including a working steam engine.