Ames History Museum

Ames History Museum Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Learn more about the museum: AmesHistory.org
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Join us at Hoggatt School this Sunday for our summer kickoff! Enjoy free ice cream and learn about what school was like ...
06/05/2026

Join us at Hoggatt School this Sunday for our summer kickoff! Enjoy free ice cream and learn about what school was like in the 1860s.

Hoggatt is open Sundays in June and July, 2-4pm. Located on the Meeker Elementary School grounds at 18th & Burnett.

Free and great for all ages! 🍦📚📏

It's often hard to tell when significant historical events are happening, but we know for sure that Ames will never be t...
06/04/2026

It's often hard to tell when significant historical events are happening, but we know for sure that Ames will never be the same after this week. All dates prior to June 1, 2026 will now be known as "B.O.G." (Before Olive Garden).

For decades, Ames residents have joked that every new building under construction was the elusive Olive Garden. Now that the dream is real, what new business will we say is coming to town with each new construction project?

Cork coaster from the collection, gift of K. Cameron, 2025.043.

Are you looking for a new t-shirt to wear at the 4th of July? We are currently running a pop-up online store through Sig...
06/03/2026

Are you looking for a new t-shirt to wear at the 4th of July? We are currently running a pop-up online store through Sigler with "Ames Celebrates America 250" apparel!

Purchase online at the link below and pick up at Ames History Museum the week of the 4th. Each purchase supports the museum!

https://sigler.chipply.com/AmesHistoryMuseum

Today in Ames history: On May 31, 1916, the Hotel Sheldon-Munn formally opened, with Dean C.F. Curtiss as toastmaster at...
05/31/2026

Today in Ames history: On May 31, 1916, the Hotel Sheldon-Munn formally opened, with Dean C.F. Curtiss as toastmaster at the evening dinner.

The Ames Evening Times wrote of the new hotel with the headline, “New Sheldon-Munn Hotel is Finest in Middle West.”

The hotel featured three floors of guest rooms, large ballroom, meeting rooms, barber shop, coffee shop, dining room, and beautiful lobby.

The last day of May is almost here! Don’t forget to flip your calendars on Monday. Eighty years ago, this May 1946 calen...
05/30/2026

The last day of May is almost here! Don’t forget to flip your calendars on Monday.

Eighty years ago, this May 1946 calendar from Coe’s Flower Shops also served as a helpful ink blotter.

Gift of D. & E. Faas, 2010.026

In May 1976, Miss Ferrell’s first grade class at Whittier Elementary School made this replica 1776 American flag for the...
05/29/2026

In May 1976, Miss Ferrell’s first grade class at Whittier Elementary School made this replica 1776 American flag for the United States Bicentennial.

Students constructed the flag and presented it to Principal Lee Himan. The class received a recognition certificate from The Ames Bicentennial Commission during the presentation.

Gift of J. Moore, 2021.006

Learn more about Ames Bicentennial celebrations in our feature exhibit, "We the People of Ames."

AHM is fortunate to have wonderful volunteers – and interns! Finn, a current ISU student, wrapped up their collections i...
05/28/2026

AHM is fortunate to have wonderful volunteers – and interns! Finn, a current ISU student, wrapped up their collections internship in early May.

Finn processed new artifacts into the collection focusing on a recent gift of CyRide materials. They added more than 165 new records to AHM's online collections database!

This week in Ames history: The Iowa State baseball team won the Big 7 Conference championship in May 1957. These photos ...
05/27/2026

This week in Ames history: The Iowa State baseball team won the Big 7 Conference championship in May 1957.

These photos from the May 27, 1957 Ames Daily Tribune show the team arriving back in Ames by train after the win. Coach Cap Timm and the team were greeted at the depot by Iowa State President James Hilton and a crowd of about 300 well-wishers.

It's National Bicycle Safety Month. 🚲Montgomery Ward was the sponsor of a bicycle safety parade held in June 1950. Pri...
05/27/2026

It's National Bicycle Safety Month. 🚲

Montgomery Ward was the sponsor of a bicycle safety parade held in June 1950.

Prizes were awarded for the best entries. Pictured here are the second place winners, Sharon McDonald, Susan Miller, and Marilyn Miller.

Ames Tribune photo from June 13, 1950.

In 1937, Ames resident Robert Mason Clark performed in a quartette with M.C. Severson, Carl Ringgenberg, and R.C. Cunnin...
05/25/2026

In 1937, Ames resident Robert Mason Clark performed in a quartette with M.C. Severson, Carl Ringgenberg, and R.C. Cunningham during a Memorial Day Program sponsored by the Ames Patriotic Council.

The quartette performed "Boys of the Old Brigade" and "Land of Mine." Robert used this songbook the day of the event -- the paper event program remained tucked inside on Page 32.

Gift of J. Nelson, 2022.020

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

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