This collection contains documents from the rural school system of Marshall County, Iowa dating from 1881-1966. The records cover a majority of the rural schools’ histories, but they are not comprehensive: some records were lost before their transfer to the Center for the History of Rural Iowa Education and Culture. The collection material is arranged into four series: “County Board of Education, 1891-1966”, “Office of the Superintendent, 1902-1965”, “Township, 1881-1966”, and “District and School, 1863-1963” -- which are sub-divided by format where necessary. Series 1. "County Board of Education, 1891-1966" contains records created and/or utilized by the County Board of Education. This series contains County Board of Education Meeting Minutes, Reorganization and Consolidation Records, and Plat Maps. Series 2. “Office of the Superintendent, 1902-1965” contains microfilmed copies of records created and/or utilized by the Office of the Superintendent. This series consists of High School Normal Training Records, Teachers' Examination Records, Records of Teachers' Certificates, Department of Public Instruction Approval Statements for Teaching, Teachers' Reading Circle, Record of Teachers' Service, Record of Schools Taught, Pupils' Permanent Records, Eighth Grade Examinations, and High School Grades and Graduation Records. Series 3. “Township, 1881-1966” contains microfilmed copies of records created and/or utilized by the Township Board of Education. This series consists solely of Township Board of Education Financial Records. Series 4. “District and School, 1863-1963” is composed of records created and/or utlized by individual schools and districts. Sub-Series 1: Physical Records, 1898-1902, 1962-1963 contains Daily Attendance Registers and Lunch Records Sub-Series 2: Records on Microfilm, 1863-1957 contains Complete School Records, District Board of Education Minutes, District Board of Education Financial Records, Parents and Teacher Association Minutes, School Registers, Teachers' Reports to the Superintendent, Daily Attendance Registers, and Athletic Records.