Veterans Day at the Tower
In honor of Veterans Day, November 11, the Tower will be playing two patriotic songs after each hour from 8 am to 8 pm.
Expanded October hours and Birthday Celebration
The Mahanay Bell Tower has expanded hours again this year and will be open daily during the month of October from 10 am – 4 pm. Youth 18 & under will continue free admission courtesy of Jefferson dentists, Dr. Keith Van Beek and Dr. James Teusch.
Bell Tower Tour Coordinator Pat Richards explained, “There has definitely been an increase in visitors during October in recent years. Traveling in the fall to see the changing rural landscape is very popular. The Lincoln Highway is a draw to many and visitors like to stop at the Tower to experience the bells and the view.”
The dedication of the Mahanay Bell Tower took place 59 years ago on October 16, 1966. This year, Mahanay Maestro Rhena Lane will play a special Tower Tunes Live Concert from 12:15 – 12:30 pm. All guests at the Mahanay Bell Tower on October 16 will take the tour for free.
Bill Monroe continues to change the songs playing after each hour with a great selection of recognizable tunes including patriotic, religious and secular.
Special tours can be arranged by calling the Jefferson Matters office at 515-386-2155.
Bell Tower Partners With Tower View Team
Bell Tower Community Foundation President Don Van Gilder with Jefferson Matters Tower View Team Chair Deb McGinn along with several TVT members Roger Aegerter, Linda Cochran, Joyce Kurth, Shelly Berger, Jolene Peters.
The Jefferson Matters September 5, 2025 Java’n Juice event afforded an opportunity to present Jefferson Matters Tower View Team with a $10,000 check from the Bell Tower Community Foundation in support of their upcoming Roof Top Art installation on the Centennial Block building. This art will feature a 3-D Vinyl rendering, something new and very innovative to the Roof Top Art projects.
A portion of the Foundation’s responsibility is to enhance the Tower to attract visitors. Bell Tower Community Foundation president Don Van Gilder said that “It seemed to us a perfect marriage with the Tower View Team to partner with them on this project. After all, in order to see the Roof Top Art, you have to come to the top of the Tower. When at the Tower, you see the Roof Top Art.” Reciting, tongue in cheek, to the Tower View Team, Van Gilder quoted the famous TV Character Red Green regarding this partnership, “Remember, I’m pulling for you. We’re all in this together.”
The Bell Tower Community Foundation funded this project with their Enhancement monies, not operating budget dollars, those of which are derived from bequests, donations and monies directed toward enhancement of the Tower. The Foundation is ever mindful of being good Stewards of these monies afforded them. Similar projects funded by these monies have been the purchase of additional bells from the existing 14 to the present 47 making it a full four octave carillon, outside seating, planters, music and colored lighting.
Bell Tower Hours for October
The Mahanay Bell Tower will continue to be open daily during the month of October from 10 am – 4 pm. Youth 18 & under will enjoy free admission courtesy of Jefferson Family Dentistry and Jefferson Dental Care.
Traveling in October to see the changing rural landscape is very popular. The Lincoln Highway is also a draw to many visitors who like to stop at the Tower to experience the bells and the view.
The dedication of the Mahanay Bell Tower took place 59 years ago on October 16, 1966.
Special tours can be arranged by calling the Jefferson Matters office at 515-386-2155.
Children visit the Tower Free
With the elevator back up and running at the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower in Jefferson, people can now experience the full capabilities overlooking Greene County from the Paul Nally Observation Deck.
Jefferson Matters Executive Director Matt Wetrich says youth can also ride to the top of the Bell Tower for free because of the generosity of Jefferson Family Dentistry and Jefferson Dental Care.
“Thanks to both of our local dentist offices for co-sponsoring getting our kiddos up in the tower as many times as they want this year.”
Wetrich adds that adult admissions are $5 to also go up to see all of the amazing sights of the county from a height of 128 feet. The Bell Tower is open daily from 10am-4pm.
Tower Opens for 2025
The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower will officially open weekends in May starting May 3-4. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. Daily hours begin on Memorial Day weekend through the end of October with hours from 10 am – 4 pm.
At this time, the elevator is not operable so tours will not include a trip to the observation deck. As soon as the needed part is installed, an announcement will be made. The staff will enjoy telling the story of the Tower and directing visitors to other local attractions.
The four octaves of bells play the Westminster chimes at each quarter hour throughout the day. A carillon concert of two songs is played after each hour from 9 am – 7 pm. The “Jefferson Chimes” written by local musician Jennifer Powers is played on the carillon after the 8 am Westminster Chimes and the 8 pm Westminster Chimes to begin and end each day.
The Bell Tower Lobby offers souvenirs, an historical video, and special items telling the story of the tower and the Jefferson community. A display honors the many Bell Tower of Fame Award recipients. Visitors are asked to locate their home on the maps – both U.S. and the world. The hospitality-trained tower tour guides are very knowledgeable about the history of the tower and Greene County.
At this time, there will be no admission fee for visitors and they will be contacted when the elevator is operable again.
For more information about the tower and activities, follow the Mahanay Bell Tower Facebook page, Instagram, and check out the website www.mahanaybelltower.org
Become a Mahanay Maestro
Inviting New Mahanay Maestros to Play the Historic Mahanay Memorial Carillon
Jefferson, IA – Do you have at least two years of piano experience and a love for music? The Mahanay Memorial Carillon is looking for more musicians to join our team of Mahanay Maestros! This is a unique opportunity to share your musical talents by playing the beautiful 47-bell carillon in downtown Jefferson.
Each summer, the Mahanay Maestros perform Tower Tunes Live concerts on Wednesdays for a 15-minute session, filling the town with music that the public loves to hear – recognizable tunes, religious music, and patriotic songs. Musicians select their own music, and training will be provided.
Tower Tunes Live concerts are held from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Wednesdays from 12:15 – 12:30 pm. Maestros select the day(s) they can play. To participate, nominees must complete the nomination form and be approved. The carillon keyboard is up one flight of stairs in the Mahanay Tower. There is no monetary compensation, but your contributions will be deeply appreciated by the community.
If you or someone you know is interested, complete the nomination form online at mahanaybelltower.org. Simply go to Join Our Team and click Become a Maestro to access the form. Here is the direct link: https://mahanaybelltower.org/about/volunteer/
For more information, contact Mahanay Music Coordinator Peg Raney at mahanaybelltower@gmail.com
Come be part of a cherished local tradition and make the bells ring out for all to enjoy!
Join Our Team!
Join Our Team at the Bell Tower Community Foundation!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you enjoy engaging with others and sharing local history? We’re hiring for these exciting part time positions. Click here for Job Descriptions.
- Finance & Social Media Coordinator
- Responsibilities:
- Manage financial records, budget tracking, and reporting.
- Develop and schedule engaging content for social media platforms.
- Increase community engagement and promote events.
- Qualifications:
- Strong organizational and financial skills.
- Experience with social media content creation and marketing.
- Passion for promoting community initiatives.
- Mahanay Bell Tower Staff & Tour Coordinator
- Responsibilities:
- Oversee staffing and scheduling for tower operations.
- Coordinate and lead tours, sharing the history of the iconic Mahanay Bell Tower.
- Ensure a welcoming and memorable experience for all visitors.
- Qualifications:
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Enthusiasm for local history and tourism.
- Ability to manage schedules and coordinate staff.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of preserving and promoting a beloved community landmark.
- Flexible part-time hours.
- Opportunity to engage with locals and visitors alike.
To Apply:
Submit your application, available here and on the Mahanay Bell Tower website at https://mahanaybelltower.org, along with your resume to the Jefferson Matters Welcome Center or e-mail to mahanaybelltower@gmail.com.
Join us in keeping the spirit of the Bell Tower ringing strong!