Williamsburg Historical Commission
Housed in the restored 1898 I.O.O.F. building on the square
516 Elm Street
Williamsburg, IA 52361
(319) 668-1822 (call for hours of operation)
Photos at the Sesquicentennial Site
The Historical Commission, through the efforts and financial backing of local philanthropists Ron and Arlene Holden, was established and given a home in a wonderful building on the square that they had restored. It was exciting to see the building come to life during the spectacular Williamsburg Sesquicentennial celebration (the 150th anniversary of the town) in 2007. The commission was the parent organization for the Williamsburg Sesquicentennial Committee. The building houses a museum and is now developing a library and archives. Period desks, file cabinets, and other items have arrived to furnish the upstairs rooms that will hold the archives. Research assistance is available to help with Iowa County
related genealogy inquires.
More news from Netha Meyer
The archives will soon include a collection of genealogical and historical written material made possible by the donation of local genealogist Netha Meyer. Her large collection establishes the commissions library. The archives will include:
Inside display / Outside night view I.O.O.F Building / Indian Arrows Display
(arrows collected in Iowa County) Display Case
Portrait:"First Lady of Williamsburg", Ann Evans Pugh Williams First Floor Activity
Sesquicentennial meeting place and souvenir store Sesqui. Committee Member and Arlene Holden (right) Netha's daughters (Virginia, Sandy, Rita), Netha and Steve
Founding Family Descendants
Jerilyn McCarthy Fisher and Kathleen Jones Lori Wyland and Richard Williams
Lori married into the Evans line and Richard is a great-grandson of the founder Historical Commission Parade Float
Netha, Callie, Owen and ?
- Obituaries
- Family Histories
- Research material gathered through requests over many years
- Cemetery Listings
- Digital Newspaper Collection (searchable!)
- Donated Photo Collections
Museum portion:
- Iowa County Indian Arrow Collection
- Williamsburg Memorabilia
- Military Uniforms and Memorabilia
- Civil War Display
- Eugene Ely Display
- Historical Photo Display
- Historical Artifacts