Clarke Co. Historical Society


"Preserving Our Yesterday for Our Tomorrows"


The Clarke County Historical Society was established in 1971 for the purpose of preserving the history of our county through articles, documents, books, and family history.

Annual Dues

    Individual - $20.00 year

    Family - $25.00 year

Meetings - 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Osceola Public Library.

Public is welcome

Museum - Located on Hwy. 69 South, Osceola, Iowa

Admission - Free Will Donation

Hours - Open Seasonally May - October Sunday 1:00 P.M.- 4:00 P.M. or by appointment

The Historical Museum complex is located on 5 acres of land on the south edge of Osceola on Highway 69. The main building contains various displays and collections pertaining to Clarke County history including stained glass windows, military uniforms, general store, barber shop, musical instruments, furnished rooms of houses, and various professional offices (doctor, lawyer, dentist). It also includes a meeting room which houses books and papers for research including information about country schools, churches, and the various towns in the county. There is no photocopier available at the complex.

The complex also includes a log cabin, machine shed containing various pieces of farm equipment, a country school which was originally located in Knox Township, and an annex with collections of nails, barbed-wire, wrenches, etc. It also holds a hose cart from the fire department, horse harness, and the works from the 4-faced clock from the old courthouse.

President - Barry Mateer - 641-342-3194

Vice President - Tawney Waske 641-414-5826

Secretary - Deb Yorba

Treasurer - Mike Boldon 641-342-2538

Curator and Historian - Marie White 641-342-4838

Last revised March 19, 2023 BW