Log Cabin

West Des Moines Historical Society Announcment

July & August Summer Camps

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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.

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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.

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MAKE A DONATION

Your tax-deductible contribution supports community enrichment through education, preservation, and celebration of the history of the greater WDM area

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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

Friday and Sunday at the Jordan House Museum

West Des Moines Historical Society - Historic Buildings

THE JORDAN HOUSE MUSEUM

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....

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THE BENNETT SCHOOL MUSEUM

THE 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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Railroad

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.

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Recent News

Schoolhouse Storytime at Bennett School Museum!

Looking for a fun storytime for your little one this summer? Check out Schoolhouse Storytime- it’s an hour of songs, stories, dancing and crafts in a one-room school! https://www.wdmhs.org/events-3/schoolhouse-storytime/

Applications Open for Jordan Scholars

The West Des Moines Historical Society is now accepting applications for the 2025/2026 Jordan Scholars program. This leadership program for area high school Juniors who want to improve their leadership skills and learn about and meet with leaders in business, governance, education and agriculture, all areas in which James Jordan excelled. Applications are accepted through… View Article

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