2021/2022 Jordan Scholars

Guided Public Tours

Jordan House tours are offered Friday and Sunday at 11am & 1pm.
Jordan House tours will require a ticket purchase in advance.

Face masks are encouraged but not required

For more information or to reserve a ticket, please see "Plan Your Visit"

ASL interpretation is available for private tours. Please call (515) 225-1286 at least 2 weeks in advance.

School groups, private groups and virtual tours of the Jordan House Museum and Bennett School Museum can be scheduled Monday-Thursday and other times, based on staffing. Please call (515) 225-1286 for more information.

Congratulations to the 6th class of James Jordan Scholars!

The latest class of Scholars graduated Wednesday, May 11, capping off a year of unique learning opportunities with area leaders in banking, food security, history, civil rights, governance and education. Six Scholars were selected to win $500 awards, based on final essays, attendance & interaction during sessions with community leaders.

Congratulations to Mason Eisenhauer, Jackson Liu, Nicole Pedersen, Tim Sullivan, Ria Tomar
and Christina Yu!

The Scholars were asked to reflect on the program. Below are some of their responses:

Mason Eisenhauer:
I am very grateful for the opportunity to have met with many great community leaders this year, as well as learn from the principles and decisions that James Jordan displayed. I look forward to the future, becoming more involved in my community, and being proud of myself and my peers. This program has shown me the true character of our leaders and what they are creating for us now and in the future. It has been a great example of what I would like to take on and the goals that I strive to fulfill.

Ria Tomar:
My experience as a James Jordan Scholar has given me insight into how today’s leaders lead their daily lives, and has provided me with inspiration into how I can lead to societal improvements myself. I have greatly enjoyed my experience as a James Jordan Scholar, and would highly encourage any sophomore considering participating in the program to take on this amazing and fulfilling opportunity!

Tyler Emanuel:
The James C. Jordan Scholars Leadership Institute and the opportunities it provided came at the perfect time. Not only did it allow me to learn about the life and history of one of Iowa’s most famous historical figures, but it also allowed me to meet with local leaders, hear their stories, and learn about what made them good leaders just in time for me to create an organization.

Applications are now being accepted for the 7th James Jordan Scholars class. For more information, please click here.

The 6th class of James Jordan Scholars was announced Wednesday, August 25. This leadership program kicked off at West Des Moines City Hall with a presentation by City Councilperson Russ Trimble, then the Scholars learned about creativity from Tim Johnson, Chief Accomplishment Officer of Carpe Factum, Inc.

In the coming months the Scholars will learn about leadership and history through visits to the Jordan House Museum, West Bank, with Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly, the State Historical Society, Seed Savers and community leaders in areas that reflect the successes of James Jordan.