​Welcome to the Porter House Museum!
Home of A.F. Porter, Naturalist​
Decorah, Iowa
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Located in the former Decorah home of Adelbert Field Porter (1879 – 1968) and Grace Young Porter (1880 – 1964), the Porter House Museum is an inspiring exploration of history, nature, and art.

“Bert” (as he was more commonly called) was a gentleman naturalist, collector, and photographer who traveled throughout the world in pursuit of butterflies, rocks, and other curiosities. A man of artistic sensibilities, Bert used his nature collections to create unique “nature art,” for which he became well known during his lifetime.
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At the museum, visitors experience the historic travels, art, and collecting of this naturalist and his wife against the backdrop of Victorian elegance that was their home and heritage.
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Hours and Location
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The Porter House Museum is located in the Broadway Historic District, two blocks south of downtown Decorah.

401 West Broadway Street
Decorah, Iowa 52101

REGULAR HOURS :
The Museum is open May & September Saturdays and Sundays; and Tuesday-Sunday from June through August with guided tours beginning at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. We are closed October through April, except for special events.
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We encourage guests to enjoy the free outdoor Rock Wall and Gardens during daylight hours.

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Join us for Volunteer Training!
The Porter House Museum is seeking volunteers, and we’d love to meet you! Do you want to deepen connections in the Decorah community and make new friends? Do you want to further something you’re passionate about while learning something new? Do you love history, art, geology, naturalism? There are so many interests built into our small museum!
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This training focuses on leading a general 45-minute tour of the Museum Building and offers an in-depth opportunity to learn the history, art, and stories that we share at The Porter House. We’ll meet on the front porch, weather permitting.
Even if you aren’t interested in leading tours, this session gives you a chance to meet current docents and staff and spend time getting to know The Porter House (also enjoy a free tour!).
Meet us on the Porter House Front Porch
Saturday May 3 from 11-12PM
ALL are welcome!