Historic Cemetery Tour

Saturday, October 5
9am-Noon

History comes to life on this tour. Registrants will visit Huston and Jordan

What is Legacy Woods?

Find out more details about this unique public/private/non profit partnership which will bring history and nature together in an amazing setting, please join representatives from the City of West Des Moines and the West Des Moines Historical Society at the kickoff of the 6th Iowa Files  series Sunday, September  8 at the West Des Moines Library. There will be a panel presentation featuring the history of this almost 30 acre nature sanctuary and a sneak peek at site plans!

West Des Moines Historical

Membership Survey

History Is Hot!

The WDMHS announces its Summer Membership Drive! “History is Hot!” brings together two amazing historical places, the Jordan House Museum and the Iowa State Fair. Everyone who becomes a new member at the “Friend” ($100) level, renews or increases your membership to that level will be eligible for a special members-only tour of the museums at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and to participate in a fun driving scavenger hunt on Thursday, July 18 at 6PM!

To become a member and be registered for this fun

Recording Now Available

The captioned recording of the April 21st Iowa Files is now available on the WDMHS YouTube channel. “Celina Beiniaz; Saved by Schindler’s List” Celina Karp Biniaz, 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. https://youtu.be/lKCWfYl8bgc?si=4i3EoqDHIXxJeRYg

Sandi Yoder, Director of the Iowa Jewish Historical Society, shared Celina’s

Applications for Jordan Scholars Now Open

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024/25 class of the Jordan Scholars Leadership Institute. The Scholars program is open to area high school Juniors who will have the unique opportunity to study leadership and what it means from local experts in the areas of banking, education, philanthropy, civil rights and agriculture- all areas in which James Jordan excelled.

Early admittance applications are due July first. More information, pictures of past Scholars and the application can be found

Mixed Pickles; The Art of Victorian Photocollage

The West Des Moines Historical Society and Olson-Larsen Galleries have teamed up again!

In the parlors and drawing rooms of grand homes, and amidst the flickering glow of gas lamps, Victorian women composed visual symphonies showcasing family in whimsical and fantastic settings. Thus, the exquisite art of Victorian photo collaging was born.
Participants in the Mixed Pickles activity will have the opportunity to learn about the history of photo collage and spend an afternoon creating your own

Welcome Kylee Malik

The West Des Moines Historical Society is THRILLED to welcome Kylee Malik to the team! Kylee will be helping staff and board explore and develop new opportunities for individuals and companies to support the education and preservation that are central to our mission.

Kylee said “I’m

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.

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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