We’re Hiring!

 

Membership and Development Coordinator

The West Des Moines Historical Society seeks a talented and motivated individual to join our team as a part-time Membership and Development Coordinator.  In this role you will be working to secure new members and fostering long-term relationships to secure donations and sponsorships in support of our mission to educate, preserve and celebrate the heritage of West Des Moines.

Read More...




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 Moines Historical Society is partnering with the City and donors to create this unique space, with one goal being a new History & Heritage Center as part of a historic campus which will complement

Read More...



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 museum practices, marketing and more. There is a $1,000 stipend given at the completion of the internship.

To complete the application, please

Read More...



The Hatfields are part of the Baker McFadden Legacy Circle

Diana and Scott Hatfield have named the West Des Moines Historical Society in their estate plans. It was easy, fast and cements their legacy in West Des Moines. Find out more here. 

 

Read More...




Iowa Files Topic Update

Due to the presenter’s illness, the scheduled Iowa Files program “Celina Biniaz: Saved by Schindler’s List” has been postponed to Sunday, April 21. Instead educator Kent Halstead will present a look at Manifest Destiny, the Donner Party and more about

Read More...



Tours cancelled January 14

Read More...



Unique gifts for the holidays!

Looking for a meaningful gift for that history lover? The West Des Moines Historical Society has a selection of handmade gifts and experiences as well as the opportunity to become a permanent part of the Jordan House Museum.

Give a membership to the West Des Moines Historical Society- great idea for an experiential gift for the whole family!

Pathway to History: personalized bricks are

Read More...



Saved by Schindler’s List

Celina Karp Biniaz is one of the last living survivors from Schindler’s List—and the only one who graduated from North High School and Grinnell College in Iowa.

Sandi Yoder, Director of the Iowa Jewish Historical Society, will share Celina’s personal story, which included nearly five years in the Krakow ghetto and the Plaszow labor camp, the transfer to Auschwitz, and her terrifying encounter with Dr. Josef Mengele before she, her mother, and the other women on Schindler’s list were rescued

Read More...



Home for the Holidays

The beautifully decorated Jordan House and Bennett School Museums will be showcased Saturday, December 2 from 1-3pm as part of the Home for the Holidays celebration. Visitors will tour rooms decorated by local organizations and individuals and vote

Read More...



WDMHS Selected for Culture Leadership Cohort

The West Des Moines Historical Society has been selected for Iowa Culture Leadership Cohort program! Executive Director Gale Brubaker and board member Allison Ullestad will represent the WDMHS over the next two years for this amazing opportunity.

Launched in 2022, the program helps participants build leadership skills and increase their organizational capacity in areas including operations, sustainability and programming. Participants attend workshops and learn from experts in their field, take

Read More...



Next Page »