Iowans are “Iowa Nice.”  We’re considerate and respectful.  We’ll throw out a “farmer wave” to anyone who crosses our path and even offer a helping hand to our neighbor as well as a stranger. Together we form a community of Bentonians . . . those who call Benton County, Iowa, home. We share a heritage that has shaped our values and made us who we are today.

     The Benton County Historical Society works hard to provide opportunities to enhance our heritage and values, but we can’t do it alone.  Because of grants and generous donations from people such as yourself, we now have the Depot roof replaced!  The dormers have been tuckpointed, eaves troughs and downspouts have been added and we can call this project complete. The interior has also been spruced up. Due to grants from the Vinton Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant we have been able to add a ramp for easier access to the Vinton Depot and are renovating the restrooms to be more accessible. We are Very Excited about all the improvements!

    It’s now time to turn our focus to the general fund, with which we pay our monthly bills to keep all of our buildings and artifacts at a climate-controlled temperature.  There are so many things we would love to do, but the bottom line is that the BCHS Board needs operating income to clean, maintain, advertise, provide programming, organize, sort, budget, etc. . .  BCHS still needs your financial help!  

     We’re a family in this little rural community and those basic roots that sprouted here years ago continue to influence our “Iowa Nice” mentality.  Please contribute generously so we can continue to shape our future by remembering those things that made us who we are today.  Become a member.  Get involved. Make a difference today!