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
Tours of the Jordan House Museum are held Friday and Sunday, 11am & 1pm, from February-December. The number of visitors will be limited at this time, and we highly recommend pre-purchasing your ticket.
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
Quilting & the Underground Railroad
The story of quilt patterns being part of the Underground Railroad is controversial, with legitimate arguments on both sides of the issue. Guest blogger Ria Tomar explores the arguments for and against the story. Learn more about quilting and the UGRR in the latest blog post here.
Forever Free Intern Applications Now Available
Calling Central Iowa college students who are studying history and interested in a unique research opportunity. The Forever Free Mentoring Program is now accepting applications for the 2022 program. Successful interns will research and author a site application to add Central Iowa cemetery to the National Park Services’ Network to Freedom, recognizing people who were… View Article