Ames History Museum

Call Directions Website

Ames History Museum Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Learn more about the museum: AmesHistory.org

We had a great crowd of museum folks at AHM last night during the Iowa Museum Association conference!
10/20/2026

We had a great crowd of museum folks at AHM last night during the Iowa Museum Association conference!

George Christensen, ISU vice-president of academic affairs addressed the crowd attending the official dedication of the ...
10/18/2026

George Christensen, ISU vice-president of academic affairs addressed the crowd attending the official dedication of the new ISU College of Veterinary Medicine facility south of campus in 1976. A number of ISU and state officials were presenting including Gov. Robert D. Ray. Just the day before it was toured President Ford as part of his trip to Ames. Ames Tribune photo published October 18, 1976.

Today's the day! Learn about local history and architecture at the Ames: A Glimpse Inside open house event, 10am-3pm. Th...
10/17/2026

Today's the day! Learn about local history and architecture at the Ames: A Glimpse Inside open house event, 10am-3pm. There are 11 locations this year - begin at any location and pick up a map. The locations are:

📌 Cornbred Barbecue - 526 Main Street
📌 Back Alley House Plants - 501 Main Street
📌 Lott Music Studio - 401 Clark Avenue
📌 Ames City Hall & Police Dept - 515 Clark Avenue
📌 Ames City Auditorium - 520 6th Street
📌 First Christian Church - 611 Clark Avenue
📌 Salon Roosevelt - 827 Northwestern Avenue
📌 Roosevelt Condominiums - 921 9th Street - #201 and #208
📌 1208 Park Way
📌 1002 Brookridge Avenue

See you there!

Today in Ames history: 20th Century Bowling opened on October 16, 1949. The bowling alley, owned by Floyd Penkhus, Bob P...
10/16/2026

Today in Ames history: 20th Century Bowling opened on October 16, 1949.

The bowling alley, owned by Floyd Penkhus, Bob Penkhus, and Jack Hoeppner, was originally 12 lanes. College students were hired to manually reset the pins at the end of the lanes. Automatic pin setters were installed in 1956, and an expansion in 1960 added 12 additional lanes.

The Flood of 2010 marked the end of this and several other businesses on South Duff near the creek.

Photo from around 1950, courtesy of Floyd Penkhus.

Heavy rainfall in August 1956 caused tough driving conditions shown here at 6th Street and Duff Avenue. Note the Bandshe...
10/15/2026

Heavy rainfall in August 1956 caused tough driving conditions shown here at 6th Street and Duff Avenue. Note the Bandshell visible in the background.

Ames Tribune photo from August 13, 1956.

Faye Peitzman models a new 4-H uniform in June 1949. Looking on are Mary Vilmont, Florence Riley, and Vonnie Vilmont. Vo...
10/14/2026

Faye Peitzman models a new 4-H uniform in June 1949. Looking on are Mary Vilmont, Florence Riley, and Vonnie Vilmont. Vonnie and Faye were part of the Washington [Township] Happy Hearts 4-H club.

Florence Riley, seated in the center, led the Washington Happy Hearts 4-H club for 25 years. Club activities included waffle suppers, breakfasts, holiday parties, ice cream sales, and more. Florence stayed in touch with many of the more than 200 girls who served in 4-H under her leadership.

Tickets are still available for our History Happy Hour event on October 23! 👻🎃🍻Explore the mystery of Jack the Ripper wi...
10/13/2026

Tickets are still available for our History Happy Hour event on October 23! 👻🎃🍻

Explore the mystery of Jack the Ripper with Laurie Law, sip on two themed drinks, and enjoy exclusive after-hours exhibit viewing. This event is for ages 21+. Advance reservations required.

There are two time slots available for this event - 5:30-7:00 PM and 7:00-8:30 PM.

Learn more and purchase tickets on our website calendar!

Maria Pearson, also known as Hai-Mecha Eunka (Running Moccasin), was a member of the Yankton Sioux tribe. Her efforts to...
10/12/2026

Maria Pearson, also known as Hai-Mecha Eunka (Running Moccasin), was a member of the Yankton Sioux tribe.

Her efforts to protect Native American heritage began in 1971 when, during highway construction, the remains of 26 Caucasian pioneers and two Native Americans were found. Although the Caucasian remains were reburied, the Native American remains were taken to be studied at the office of the state archaeologist.

Maria persuaded Governor Robert Ray and State Archeologist Marshall McKusick to rebury the Native American remains. Her tireless work in Iowa and nationwide contributed to the Federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990.

Maria moved to Ames in 1987, where she lived the rest of her life. Photo courtesy of Ron Thompson.

Join us next Saturday, October 17 for this great community event! Find the brochure and map of locations at http://amesh...
10/09/2026

Join us next Saturday, October 17 for this great community event! Find the brochure and map of locations at http://ameshistory.org/glimpse

In October 1965, Arlan's Department Store opened as the first business in the new Lincoln Center at Lincoln Way and Gran...
10/09/2026

In October 1965, Arlan's Department Store opened as the first business in the new Lincoln Center at Lincoln Way and Grand Avenue.

At the grand opening, specials at Arlan's included:
Men's flannel pajamas $1
Little Golden Books 9¢
Light bulbs 10¢
Latex interior paint $1/gallon
45 RPM records 19¢

By 1970, the development also included Safeway Grocery, Walt's News Stand, Scott Store, World of Fabrics, and Overland Builders. In 1972, Target took over the Arlan's building.

Address

416 Douglas Avenue, Ste 101
Ames, IA
50010

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

15152322148

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ames History Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category