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.
Plan your Visit >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.
Become a member >MAKE A DONATION
Your tax-deductible contribution supports community enrichment through education, preservation, and celebration of the history of the greater WDM area
Donate >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.

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.
Read MoreRecent News
Program Update
Due to circumstances, the topic for the Iowa Files scheduled for Sunday, February 9 has changed. WDMHS Executive Director Gale Brubaker will talk about the immigrant and refugee history of West Des Moines. She’ll be highlighting a part of our community’s heritage that may not be familiar to everyone, but which celebrates the diverse roots… View Article
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/