Nearly one-hundred visitors attended the Dysart Historical Society’s dedication and ribbon cutting ceremonies on Sunday, June 5th, in the new Krafka Courtyard. The new Machine Shed Museum was dedicated and ribbons were cut for the Museum and for the recently completed Courtyard.

The Museum building was designed by the Dysart Historical Society Board and was basically completed in 2015 by builder Dennis Manfull who added the finishing touches just a few weeks ago. Some of the displays are still a work in progress.

The Krafka Courtyard was built this spring in memory and honor of Charles & Albena Krafka who farmed in the Dysart area for many years before retiring to Dysart. Their family had established the Krafka Family Heritage Foundation using proceeds from their popular Krafka Family Cookbook. The Courtyard was financed by a grant from the Krafka Family Heritage Foundation and an additional grant from the Tama County Community Foundation. The Courtyard was designed and built by Escape Landscapes located north of Dysart.

The dedication program opened with a welcome by Historical Society President Mark Monroe. The short history of the Museum project was given and members of the Krafka Family presented a history and tribute to Charles and Albena. The Courtyard ribbon was cut by Janet Sawyer, daughter of Charles & Albena.

Mayor Pam Thiele spoke briefly, thanking the Historical Society and the Krafka Family for the special new addition to the Dysart Historical Center and the City of Dysart. Refreshments were served in the Agriculture Museum.