EXPERIENCE HISTORY
Experience The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design and Bennett School, one of the last one-room schoolhouses built in Iowa.
Plan your Visit >MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
West Des Moines Historical Society is dedicated to the mission of historic preservation and to educate public about our historic sites in Central Iowa.
Become a member >MAKE A DONATION
Your tax-deductible contribution supports community enrichment through education, preservation, and celebration of the history of the greater WDM area
Donate >HISTORY IS EVERYONE'S STORY.
EVERYONE HAS A STORY.
The pioneers who settled Iowa, the freed men and women who traveled across it and the families who now call it home. You’re invited to walk the hallways of the past, see Victorian elegance and hear stories of hardship and bravery as you become part of history.
THE JORDAN HOUSE MUSEUM TOUR TIMES
The Jordan House Museum is closed to general tours January, 2021. Private tours and remote school tours are still available. General Public tours resume February 2021.
West Des Moines Historical Society - Historic Buildings
THE JORDAN HOUSE MUSEUM
The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program....
Read MoreTHE BENNETT SCHOOL MUSEUM
Built in 1926 or ’27 the Bennett School was one of the last one room schools to be built in West Des Moines and was in use until at least 1941. It was originally located on an acre of ground donated...
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JORDAN HOUSE AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
The Underground Railroad was a loosely organized system for helping escaped slaves from the southern states reach freedom in the North or Canada in the years before the Civil War.
Read MoreRecent News
Welcome to New Board Members
Members of the West Des Moines Historical Society voted to accept three new board members at the annual meeting in January. Scott Hart has previously volunteered for the WDMHS and been a docent for tours of the Jordan House. Scott has a Master’s Degree in museum studies from the University of Leicester, and has a… View Article
New! Videos for Educators
Thanks to funding from the State Historical Society of Iowa, Inc. and the talents of Conjunction Media, the West Des Moines Historical Society has 6 informative videos and supporting curriculum which can be utilized by educators, free of charge! These videos introduce concepts and history normally explored during tours of the Jordan House Museum, including:… View Article