Delaware County Historical Society & Museum

The Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) is a ten-building museum campus located on the historic grounds of Lenox College in Hopkinton, Iowa. Our mission is simple: preserve the past in the present for the future.

Our campus tells the story of Delaware County through artifacts and exhibits representing every community in the county. Visitors from across the country come each year to tour our buildings and experience hands-on history.

Thanks to your support, we’ve completed major projects in recent years, including restoring Old Main, the R.P. Church, the caboose, sidewalks, and the Civil War Monument. Looking ahead, we are continuing campus improvements, enhancing Gearhart’s Garden, and planning structural work on Clark Hall.  Clark Hall will have the basement fully updated.  Lights will be installed at Old Main to light up the Bell, more Sidewalks will be replaced going from Old Main to the Gym.

DCHS also hosts community events like Civil War Days, the Butterfly Release, Ligh Up The Campus for Christmas and more—bringing history to life for all ages.

Your support helps us preserve Delaware County’s history and invest in its future. Thank you for giving on Great Give Day!

Testimonials

"My name is Hannah & I’ve lived within a few block radius of The Delaware County Historical Museum for 30 of my 34 years of life. Around here we lovingly refer to the museum as “The Campus” as it was once home to Lenox College. 

Growing up so close, my family always participated in their annual events which brought the entire area together in celebration of our beautifully preserved treasure, but it wasn’t until high school that I came to learn the true importance of the Delaware County Historical Society’s mission in preserving the history not just of Hopkinton, but of greater Delaware County & beyond. 

While volunteering as a teenager to give tours, I met so many people from all over the world that came to visit the museum after word of mouth accounts of all it had to offer found them. It didn’t take long for their curiosity & ultimately their enthusiasm for everything those buildings contain became contagious. From the lineage of local families to the historical artifacts; the first hand accounts in authentic historical journals to the absolute breathtaking beauty of such well kept buildings & grounds- there truly is something for everyone! 

Now, as an adult with my own family, I feel very strongly about continuing to volunteer my time to help the Delaware County Historical Society in their mission to preserve history, educate & bring people together. Whether it be through monetary donations, gifts, visiting or volunteering, your contribution will give you peace of mind that future generations will have tangible examples of history- things you cannot experience online." - Hannah Davis

"Love all the history and details in the actual setting of the old college campus. Felt like I was here when history happened." - Rosie Feldmann

"The wide variety of exhibits. No matter how many times I've been there I always find something I didn't see at the previous visits." - Nikie Wear-Busch

"There is a lot to see. Beautiful grounds with awesome buildings and artifacts. Delaware County is lucky to have this place. Thanks for all the hospitality." - Mark Nosbisch

"Had a wonderful experience on a very warm day. Was totally amazed how well this very old "college" presents itself. Lots to take in. Museum volunteers had a great lunch for the group I was with- held in the gymnasium. The grounds are beautiful, with all the work done by the volunteers. Worth the time to see." - Rosa Boisen

"Very enjoyable wonderfully nice people." - Jon McDowell

"If you ever get the opportunity to visit when the museum is open, do so. Take a walk through Iowa history." - Lea Clark

"I love history. That's why i got married there." - Marisa Summers