Legacy Woods is a nearly 30-acre property originally part of James Jordan’s first homestead.  Next to the Jordan House Museum,  this property offers an incredible mix of nature and history, preserving Iowa’s natural heritage and creating a vibrant community space. The natural space in Legacy Woods offers a sanctuary of native plants and planned walking trails and community spaces. The West Des Moines Historical Society is working closely with private donors and the City of West Des Moines to create a vibrant historic campus, featuring not only the Jordan House, but also  the Bennett School Museum, a historic log cabin and a history and heritage center that will expand on the learning opportunities focusing on the Underground Railroad story as well as offering the opportunity for others to tell their stories, from the Indigenous people native to this land to the immigrants who came to work on the railroads and stayed to build a vibrant community.

You are invited to be part of this exciting new project. While planning is still in the initial stages, a master site plan has been designed and the City is moving forward swiftly with the first stage of infrastructure, including parking lot and utilities. The WDMHS will be focused on building the campus, including moving the Bennett School and reconstructing the log cabin. Your donations will make this possible!

To donate to the History and Heritage campus, please visit our online donation page, and indicate your preferred use of your funds. For more information on this exciting project, please see the City’s website.