Events and Programs
Below is a list of events and programs we have hosted in recent years.
We will update this information as we plan our 2023 calendar.
Shootout in Dexter: Local History of Bonnie and Clyde, Part I
Join us for Part I of two programs about the Shootout at Dexter: Local History of Bonnie & Clyde. This fantastic program is by the inimitable Rod Stanley, from the Dexter Historical Society Museum and the Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation. Rod will provide an incredible play-by-play account of Bonnie & Clyde's visit and subsequent shoot-out that occurred in and around Dexter, Iowa. This is a popular presentation so please arrive early to ensure you get a seat. FREE to the public.
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Presented May 7, 2022.
This program may be presented in the future.
Shootout in Dexter: Local History of Bonnie and Clyde, Part II
Saturday - May 6, 2023
1:30PM, Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum
Join us for Part II of two programs about the Shootout at Dexter: Local History of Bonnie & Clyde. This follow-up program is also hosted by Rod Stanley, from the Dexter Historical Society Museum and the Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation. Rod will provide additional information of Bonnie & Clyde's visit in and around Iowa, including the robbery of the First National Bank in Stuart, Iowa, on April 16, 1934. This is a popular presentation so please arrive early to ensure you get a seat. FREE to the public.
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Saving Our Historic Cemeteries:
A Hands-on Program
Saturday - June 3, 2023
9:00AM, Richland Cemetery - Bagley, Iowa
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This program is designed to educate and assist in the networking of people interested in protecting, restoring, and preserving our historic cemeteries. Attendees will learn how to clean and repair broken tombstones, headstones, and monuments.
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Please wear cool, comfortable work clothing (this is a hands-on program so you will be cleaning and scrubbing headstones) and bring a hat for shade and some water to stay hydrated. Thank you!
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Underground Railroad in Guthrie County: A Guided Tour
Join Rod Stanley, from the Dexter Historical Society Museum and Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation, and Kristine Jorgensen, GCHV Curator, for a guided historical tour through the back roads of Guthrie County to learn about the history and route of the Underground Railroad through Guthrie County.
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This event will start at the Historical Village near the Implement Building. Directions and maps will be distributed. Discussion will include John Brown and his trip through Iowa in 1859, which included a stop at the Porter Hotel in Dalmanutha.
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Participants will need to pre-register for this event, bring a picnic lunch, and will need to drive their own vehicles. If you do not have a vehicle but would like to attend, we will try to match you up with a driver.
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Program will start at the Historical Village with a brief presentation.
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Presented June 25, 2022
​This program may be presented in the future.
Tour the 1853 Newton Stage Coach Route and Its Ghost Towns
In 1853, Eder B. Newton was employed to lay out a stage road across Guthrie County. The route was very similar to the trail used by previous westward travelers, like the forty-niners, and hits several of Guthrie County's ghost towns along the way.
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In 2008, William Frels, a member of Boy Scout Troop 127, researched the route, had new signs created with funding from local businesses, and installed the 19 signs along the 29.4-mile route for his Eagle Scout Project.
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Take a guided tour with Rod Stanley, member of the Guthrie County Historical Village Foundation, and stop at various locations along the route for interesting stories and historical facts.
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Participants will need to pre-register for this event, bring a picnic lunch, and will need to drive their own vehicles. If you do not have a vehicle but would like to attend, we will try to match you up with a driver.
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Program will begin at the Historical Village with a brief presentation prior to heading out on the tour.
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Presented October 1, 2022.
This program may be presented in the future.
The Haunted Village:
A Children's Halloween Activity
October 15, 2023 - 5PM to 7PM
Guthrie County Historical Village & Museum - Panora
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The Haunted Village is a family-oriented Halloween activity that has been a favorite for 20 years. Activities include games and fortunes, tattoos and stickers, treats, storytelling, pictures, the haunted museum, hay ride, and a Haunted Concert that starts at 6pm in the church.
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The Haunted Village is for children 5th grade and younger.
All Children must be accompanied by an adult and must stay with their adult at all times.
Admission is FREE.
Costumes, even for adults, are encouraged.
Masks and social distancing are strongly recommended.
Bring a bag for all of the goodies.
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