Porter House Museum

09/30/2026

Join us on Thursday, October 22nd for the next installment of our After Dark Lecture Series.

David Faldet will be sharing stories about some of Winneshiek County’s most sensational crimes, dating from 1850 to 1950. These are the kinds of stories that made headlines, sparked rumors, and became part of our local history.

There will be two opportunities to attend, 6:00 PM or 7:30 PM. This event is free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary.

Come hear a few stories from the darker side of our local past.

09/23/2026

🌿 After Dark Lecture Series 🌿

Join us Tuesday, October 13th, with Larry Reis as he shares some often-forgotten knowledge about local plants and fungi, including some that can heal and that can be deadly.

There will be two opportunities to attend: 6:00 PM or 7:30 PM.

📍 Porter House Museum
🎟️ Free and open to the public
No registration is necessary.

Come learn something new about the plants and fungi that are right here in our area!

08/17/2026

This evening, the Porter House Museum filled with friendly faces, old and new, for our annual neighborhood picnic! 🌿💛

A very heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful neighbors who joined us and made the evening so special. We loved sharing laughs and making memories together on the Porter House lawn! 🥰

05/31/2026

🌎 Free Rock Wall Tour - Saturday, June 6 at 10:30 AM

Discover the stories written in stone at Porter’s Wall: Where Earth History Meets Art.

Join Steve St. Clair and David Faldet for a free guided tour exploring the fascinating intersection of geology, history, and artistic expression found within Porter’s Wall.

📅 Saturday, June 6
🕥 10:30 AM
💲 Free and open to the public

Whether you’re interested in local history, geology, art, or simply enjoy discovering hidden gems in our community, this tour offers a little something for everyone.

Bring a friend and join us for the morning! ☀️

04/01/2026

📣 Coming Soon 📣

Our April Lecture Series opens with Beth Lynch and a unique exploration of Algific Talus Slopes on April 21st. These slopes are rare, cold-air-venting formations that sustain specialized ecosystems and cool microclimates, acting as “natures air conditioning”.

In this lecture, we’ll examine how these slopes function, why they are so uncommon, and the important role they play in supporting cold-adapted species. This is a special opportunity to learn more about a fascinating and often overlooked natural phenomenon.

Take a look for more details 👀

03/24/2026

📢 Reminder: TONIGHT! 🌎

Join us for Decorah Crater and Its Fossils, a fascinating lecture with Birgitta Meade at 6:00 PM and again at 7:30 PM. This free event at the Porter House is one you won’t want to miss!

While you’re here, be sure to stop by and meet Scorpy the Sea Scorpion 🦂 and learn more about this ancient creature during the lecture.

03/08/2026

Huge thank you to the Oneota Film Festival for another absolutely wonderful gathering here at the Porter House Museum! It’s always such a joy to see this historic space come alive with filmmakers, storytellers, and film lovers from near and far. The creativity, conversation, and community spirit that the festival brings each year make mornings like this truly special. We’re so grateful to be part of a celebration that highlights the power of film and the importance of sharing stories together. Thank you for filling the museum with energy, inspiration, and great company, we’re already looking forward to the next time! 🎬✨

02/10/2026

Who else is getting excited for the 16th annual ?? We are! 🙋🏼‍♀️ Join us and filmmakers for a coffee at the Porter House Museum from 9-11 March 8th. Free and open to the public!

02/10/2026

https://decorahnews.com/news/16599/state-funds-awarded-to-support-local-museums-marketing-campaign/?mc_cid=7ac15b7e8b&mc_eid=a683c3fcae

The grant award will support the creation of professionally produced videos highlighting the rich history and unique nature of five museums