It was the Bicentennial of America, 1976.
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The Nevada Bicentennial Commission combined two subcommittees: Heritage '76, and Horizons '76. While Heritage '76, was looking for a project to remember the past, the Horizons '76, was searching for a project that looked toward the future. In Iowa, the one-room school had provided educations and pleasant memories for hundreds of people and the Commission wanted to preserve those experiences and share them with future generations. On July 4, 1976, the Halley One-Room Schoolhouse was dedicated in Nevada with the goal of preserving the past, as well as guiding children of the future towards those values that were prevalent in Iowa: hard work, care for the environment, and wise conservation practices. That was the seed that began to grow as The Nevada Community Historical Society.
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The Nevada Rotary had previously purchased a log cabin, the third house built in Nevada by George Child.
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With the goal of preserving local heritage and maintaining the Halley One-RoomSchoolhouse and the George Child Log House, the Nevada Community Historical Society was founded in 1977.
We are dedicated to safeguarding our local heritage by protecting historical properties and sharing the narratives that define us.
Discover Nevada's History
Discover our Historical Properties
Dyer-Dowell Historic House
922 5th St.
The house, located at 922 5th St., was originally the Story County jail, built in 1869, and t sits on its original site. The jailer's residence was on the first floor with prisoner's cells above.It was enlarged and converted to a home in 1892. It was purchased in 1902 by Judge Geroge W. and Martha Kellogg Dyer. Their daughter Isabel and her husband Austin Dowell were the last residents of the home. Mrs. Austin Dowell gave the family home to the Historical Society in 1988 in memory of her parents and grandparents.
Briggs Terrace-Evergreen Lane
1204 H Ave.
The 1879 Italianate home sits on its original site and is on the National Historic Registry. It was built for Otis Briggs. First called "Briggs Terrace," it is often referred to as "Evergreen Lane" due to the stately pines lining the drive. Built as a workig farm, it is now located within the Nevada City limits. The large estate includes the home, carriage house, and barn.
George Child Log House
1204 H Ave
George Child Log House is Nevada's oldest standing building. In 1864, George and his wife, Lavina migrated from Illinois to Nevada by oxen and covered wagon. Mr. Child, using local black walnut logs, built the third home in Nevada. Although moved from its original location, the log house still stands as a tribute to the struggles and the joys of early pioneer life in Nevada.
Halley School
1204 H Ave
Halley School is a one-room school built in 1874. It was originally located in Nevada Township and operated through the 1944-1945 school year. It was lovingly restored, and stepping inside, one can imagine a schoolmarm and her students in their studies.