FOR OVER 30 YEARS THE WEST DES MOINES HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS ADVANCED THE MISSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TO TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ACROSS IOWA AND VISITORS.
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.
THE JORDAN HOUSE MUSEUM GUIDED TOUR TIMES
Friday & Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
West Des Moines Historical Society - Historic Buildings
THE JORDAN HOUSE MUSEUM
The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program....
Read MoreTHE BENNETT SCHOOL MUSEUM
Built in 1926 or ’27 the Bennett School was one of the last one room schools to be built in West Des Moines and was in use until at least 1941. It was originally located on an acre of ground donated...
Read More
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
9
May
2019
Exploring Iowa’s Historic Gems
Sunday, May 19 2:30pm West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Parkway Plan your summer staycation Sunday, May 19 at the Iowa Files program, “Exploring Iowa and Its Historic Gems.” This program, presented by the West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library, will begin at 2:30pm at the West Des… View Article
6
May
2019
Jordan House Tours Memorial Day Weekend
The historic Jordan House Museum will be open for tours Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26. 75 minute guided tours begin at 11am and 1pm both days. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth. Please call 225-1286 if you have any questions!