See history unfold.
Visit the museums
A visit to the Jordan House and Bennett School Museums will transport you back in time. Follow the footsteps of James C. Jordan as you listen to stories about family life on the prairie and narrow escapes on the Underground Railroad.
EXPERIENCE OUR HISTORIC BUILDINGS
OUR NEEDS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Aside from historical education, the WDMHS’s primary purpose is to preserve West Dest Moine’s history and to care for and maintain the Jordan House Museum and Bennett School Museum. The costs necessary to pay for the Jordan House and Bennett School Museum’s proper personnel, educational programming, and the degree of care they merit are currently not offset by charitable underwriting and membership support.
Read moreOUR GOALS
The West Des Moines Historical Society is undertaking a $500,000 campaign to secure funding for the Jordan House and Bennett School Museum maintenance, outreach and promotion, staff salaries and training, collection preservation and conservation, and educational program development.
Read moreOUR IMPACT
The WDMHS has a long, proud tradition of partnering with the community to preserve and promote West Des Moines’ rich history through storytelling, partnerships with local school districts, educating students and visitors, presentations to community organizations, preserving historical items of West Des Moines, restoring the Bennett School Museum and the Jordan House, and celebrating West Des Moines history.
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