Porter House Museum

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

12/04/2025

Our little helpers creating Holiday Magic at the Porter House Museum! Join us for a holiday open house event Saturday 12/06 1-4 🎄🎅

12/02/2025

What a fun filled weekend!

11/24/2025

Mark your calendars for our Holiday Open House at the Porter House Museum! Join us for live music, and light refreshments, all while being surrounded by holiday decor amongst our historic collections.
📆 Saturday December 6th from 1-4pm. Free and open to all!

11/06/2025

https://www.decorahleader.com/articles/decorahleader/echoes-of-the-past-porters-plan-south-american-expedition/?pubid=decorahleader

Headlines from 100 years ago reported Mr. and Mrs. Bert Porter and Mrs. Porter’s mother would soon leave their Decorah home on a year-and-a-half long expedition to South America. The group (the Porter House Museum folks) planned to see the wonders and beauties of some of the principal places in So...

10/18/2025

https://decorahnews.com/news/15800/smutzler-to-discuss-the-ghost-stories-and-investigative-techniques-smutzler-to-speak-at-porter-house/?mc_cid=a919ddac16&mc_eid=a683c3fcae

Retired Decorah Police chief Dave Smutzler will be sharing some real-life ghost stories as part of October's Porter House After Dark lectures