Log Cabin

West Des Moines Historical Society Announcment

West Des Moines Honors Dr. King

January 19 & 20

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

We’re hiring!

The West Des Moines Historical Society is looking for the right person to present our popular Hands On History Summer Camp this year! Qualified individual will enjoy working with energetic 9-13 year olds and presenting fun, safe and educational programming for 3 weeks this summer. For more information, please see https://www.wdmhs.org/work-with-us/

Volunteer Orientation

Studies show volunteering can reduce stress, help you learn new skills, advance your professional career PLUS you’re having a tremendous positive impact on your community! The West Des Moines Historical Society has LOADS of volunteer opportunities of all sorts, from gardening, inventory, blogging, event planning and day of help, and many opportunities are appropriate for… View Article

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