Log Cabin

West Des Moines Historical Society Announcment

Legacy Woods Announcement

Exciting addition to West Des Moines planned!

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

Weekly Open House tours of the Jordan House Museum offered every Friday and Sunday

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

History & Heritage at Legacy Woods

Monday, March 4 the West Des Moines City Council voted to approve the name “Legacy Woods” for the nearly 30 acres of land next to the Jordan House Museum. This land, previously part of a church camp, will become a place where nature and history will combine to educate, invigorate and inspire. The West Des… View Article

Summer 2024 Internship

The West Des Moines Historical Society is now accepting applications for the Summer Inventory Intern at the Jordan House Museum. This position will appeal to college students seeking experience with Past Perfect, helping create records from previously inventoried items. There will be the opportunity to not only use Past Perfect, but also learn more about… View Article

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