Exhibits
Discover the stories of Blakesburg.
At BHPS, we gather and protect artifacts that tell the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped our community’s past. Every artifact helps keep those stories alive for future generations. From antique furniture used in the Abernathy House restoration to objects that capture everyday life in Blakesburg since the late-1800s, our collection continues to grow. Even the Abernathy House and the historic Post Office are part of our collection — living landmarks that embody our shared history. We invite you to come and discover the stories of Blakesburg.
Much of the BHPS collection has been built through the generosity of families and community members who have entrusted their heirlooms to us. Each donation helps ensure these treasures are properly cared for and shared with the public. Have something you’d like to contribute? Learn more here.
Our Exhibits
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American Civil War
Soldiers and their battles, Camp Ford POWs, “Graybeards”: discover the stories of Blakesburg’s own who answered the call to serve in the Union Army.
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Eastern Iowa Vigilante Movement
Kangaroo trials, juries of their own, ropes ready: vigilantes governed by the penal laws of Iowa only so far as it was convenient. Blakesburg was no exception.
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Pottery of Leander T. Stuart
Made from mud: In the 1800s, sixteen potteries were believed to operate in Wapello County. View our expansive collection of Blakesburg’s potter Leander T. Stuart.
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BHS Women's Basketball
6-on-6 basketball: Iowa’s icon. From barns to gymnasiums, if a girl could throw bales and milk cows, she could compete on the court. Meet Blakesburg’s local 6 on 6 heroes.
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"Little George" Towsend
At 2’8” and 60 pounds as an adult, Blakesburg native James “Little George” Townsend was a featured attraction with Great Patterson Shows carnival and circus.
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J. W. Hamburger Furniture
Also on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, this “Prince of Wales” furniture suite was featured in J.W. Hamburger’s 1870 catalogue. Don’t miss the portrait medallion of famed opera soprano C. L. Kellogg carved into its design!
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Blakesburg Baptist Church
Faith and Fire: The first entry in Blakesburg’s Baptist Church Journal dates to May 1846. The church was lost to fire in 1980, but this historic journal endures — preserving stories of the church and many of Blakesburg’s earliest families.
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Notable Artifacts
Experience the Abernathys’ story--their work, their home, their friends, and their community — brought to life through the artifacts they cherished.
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Period Decor and Antiques
Renaissance revival pedestal, Thomas Brooks table, Auguste Moreau bronze statue: Victorian décor blends elegance and comfort with rich colors, intricate details, and furniture of dark woods with ornate carvings and luxurious fabrics.
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Blakesburg High School Yearbooks
Connecting alumni, families, and the community through shared memories: our archives hold 37 Blakesburg High School yearbooks, from 1928 and 1943–1980.
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Abernathy Family
Authentic photos capture the Abernathy family, 19th-century small-town life, and the pioneering spirit that shaped Blakesburg’s history. Their home was the heart of daily life-a place of business, family, and community connection.
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And So Much More!
BHPS is Blakesburg’s attic — a treasure trove of artifacts and stories that are intimate and personal. While state and national museums cover broad themes, we share the stories of the people who built our rural community, its businesses, and its way of life-stories that grow richer with time. Come see us, and we’ll tell you a story...
Our Historic Properties
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Historic Post Office
205 N. Main Street, Blakesburg IA
Built in 1909, the original Blakesburg Post Office currently houses the majority of our collection and serves as the community museum for the Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society.
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Abernathy House
203 N. Main Street, Blakesburg IA
Acquired in 2024, this beautiful Queen Anne style residence was home to the influential Abernathy family. Although restoration efforts are underway, the property is open for tours and events.
How We Build Our Collection
Like all museums, we must be selective when adding items to our permanent collection. Each potential donation is reviewed to ensure it reflects the life, work, and heritage of Blakesburg and its surrounding area. Much of the BHPS collection has been built through the generosity of families and community members who have entrusted their heirlooms to us. Each donation helps ensure these treasures are properly cared for and shared with the public. We’ve also welcomed pieces back through returns or exchanges with other museums — reuniting items that once belonged to our community’s cultural heritage. In some cases, BHPS has purchased artifacts outright to prevent their loss to private collections and keep them accessible to all.
When evaluating potential additions, we consider:
How well the item tells a story about local people, events, or daily life
Its historical significance and authenticity
The item’s condition, rarity, and connection to Blakesburg’s history
Display potential and preservation requirements
Once accepted, artifacts are documented and preserved — becoming valuable resources for exhibits, educational programs, and historical study.
Looking To Contribute To Our Collection?
If you have an item you believe could be part of Blakesburg’s story, please Contact Us — we’re always eager to learn more about the history hidden in our homes, barns, and family attics. The Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society gratefully accepts a variety of charitable gifts. However, BHPS reserves the right to review and decline gifts that do not align with our mission or may create an undue financial or administrative burden.