We are currently raising money to construct this museum. If you would like to donate or need more information, please call Melvin Christensen at 563-552-2058 and leave a message. The museum is established as nonprofit organization and is tax-deductible.
Iowa has a rich agricultrual history dating back to the early 1800's. Pioneers discovered that one of Iowa's greatest natural resources was its fertile land and began establishing farms along with small towns.
Major economic, cultural and demographic shifts are bringing major changes to rural communities. In some rural regions, shrinking agricultural, forestry, mining and manufacturing employment is leading to population loss, neglect and abandonment of historic structures and sites. In high growth areas near cities and resorts, new development is literally consuming the historic rural landscape.
In 2006, Melvin and Donna Christensen recognized a need to preserve this vital part of our history. They created a vision of building a museum that would not only preserve artifacts but enable individuals, especially children, to experience a part of how our forebearers worked and lived.
The Building Plan
Melvin grew up on his ancestors's (the Hafners) 1846 original homestead. Due to the generosity of the Christensens, the family's original barn of hand-hewn beam and peg construction has been dismantled and stored. The plan for re-assembly involves the Amish tradesmen who are still able to rebuild using methods similar to the original construction. The final structure will be a 42' x 100' gambrel roofed three-story barn. The family also donated parts of a double ear corn crib and unique inside Meyer bucket elevator which will be incorporated into the building.
Landscaping plans include a miniture barn gazebo with picnic area as well as a full sized windmill. A small garden will host native plants and crops.
It will be located at 11818 Christensen Lane on the scenic river road, Highway 52 North, three miles north of Dubuque, close to Sageville, Iowa. The site is placed within the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage area. Other places of interests close by are the Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve, former site of the Thompson Mill, Heritage Pond and Trail, Mississippi River and the Little Maquoketa River.
