West Des Moines Historical Society Announcment
2026 Heritage Jubilee
Free family fun and hands on learningEXPERIENCE 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.
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...
Read More
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
2025 Wrap Up
It’s the end of the year, and what a year it was! New programs and learning opportunities, a commitment to telling the story of the Underground Railroad, and a fantastic new event to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Jordan House!
Last chance to tour in 2025
There are a just a few more opportunities to visit the decorated Jordan House Museum in December! You can reserve a ticket for an 11am or 1:30pm tour on December 12, 14, 19, 21 or 28th, then the decorations come down and we close the doors for reset in January! Reserve your ticket here.