Research Services

We are happy to assist with all types of local historical and genealogical research. We have a limited pool of research volunteers at this time, so please be patient and know that your inquiries are important to us. Free use of our library and archive is available to visitors, though we are limiting entry at this time.

Research assistance is available at $10 per hour plus any document or mailing costs. Members receive one hour of research free with their current paid membership.

Our library and archive is located at the Mowry Irvine Mansion. We are still in the process of organizing and unpacking since the tornado and some of the archive is still in storage, so we have limited access to some of our material at this time. However, please contact us with your inquiry and we will assist you as well as we can. Thank you for your patience!

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Frances Rhoades Williams Library

Our collection includes a variety of materials on local topics, and also by local authors. We have yearbooks, town and church histories, city directories, and personal memorabilia. We also house material about other counties, Iowa history, and other general historical topics.

Our collection also includes a wealth of photographic and documentary history pertaining to a variety of topics. Our records include family history information as well as local government, schools, churches, social organization photos and records.

Genealogical Research

The former Central Iowa Genealogical Society (CIGS) is now the HSMC Genealogical Interest Group. The CIGS and HSMC genealogical research collection is housed in the Frances Rhoades Williams Library. The collection covers individual records, published family histories, county histories, census, cemetery records, ship passenger lists, and other society publications. It also includes material from all over the United States.