Des Moines Historical Society

09/03/2026

🚋 THROWBACK THURSDAY: Ride Back in Time!🚋

Long before today’s buses and busy streets, streetcars were an important part of everyday life in Des Moines.

The Waveland Trolley Loop was built in 1901 near University Avenue and Waveland Golf Course. After dropping off golfers, the streetcar would turn around and head back east. The line became more than just transportation to the golf course, it helped connect west-side residents to the rest of the city.

Today, that history lives on at the Waveland Trolley Loop Monument, created through the efforts of streetcar enthusiasts, history buffs, and community supporters. The park-like space features an artistic, interactive streetcar sculpture, interpretive panels, landscaping, and a curved paver walkway that follows the historic streetcar loop.

📖 Want to learn more and help preserve Des Moines history?

Join the Des Moines Historical Society and the Waveland Trolley Loop Foundation for an evening of community, conversation, and local history at the Waveland Trolley Loop Monument.

Meet fellow supporters, learn more about the missions of both organizations, and hear updates on efforts to preserve and share Des Moines history.

The event will also provide opportunities to support the DMHS Grand Avenue Book Project and the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the Waveland Trolley Loop Monument.

🚋 Come celebrate the history, stories, and people that keep Des Moines' past moving forward!

09/02/2026

🚋 TRIVIA TUESDAY ANSWER! 🚋

The Waveland Trolley Loop was built in 1901 to bring golfers to and from Waveland Golf Course!⛳🚋

After dropping off golfers, the streetcar would turn around at the loop and head back east on University Avenue.

As the west side of Des Moines grew, the streetcar became an important way for residents to travel as well.

Today, the Waveland Trolley Loop Monument helps preserve this piece of Des Moines history and tells the story of the people who rode the streetcars more than a century ago.

09/01/2026

🚋 TRIVIA TUESDAY!*🚋

Do you know why the Waveland Trolley Loop was built in 1901? What was the primary reason the streetcar traveled to the Waveland area?

08/27/2026

Throwback Thursday

This week, we are taking a look back at the history of the Iowa State Capitol!

Construction of the Capitol began in 1871, with the cornerstone first laid on November 23, 1871.

The Capitol was dedicated on January 17, 1884, and construction was completed in 1886.

The Iowa State Capitol is the only five-domed capitol in the country and has been an important part of Des Moines and Iowa history for generations.

Want to experience this historic building?
Join the Des Moines Historical Society for Under the Golden Dome, an exclusive members-only guided tour of the Iowa State Capitol! This is a special opportunity to explore the history and stories behind one of Iowa's most iconic landmarks.
Check out the event for more information and join us under the golden dome!

08/26/2026

Trivia Tuesday Answer

Although Monroe was selected as the Capital in 1847, the Legislature decided in 1848 not to move the Capitol from Iowa City. In 1854, the General Assembly decreed that the Capitol should be located within two miles of the Raccoon River fork of the Des Moines River. The site where the Capitol now stands was later selected, and final approval for construction of a permanent statehouse was given on April 8, 1870.

08/25/2026

Trivia Tuesday

Before the Iowa State Capitol was built, Iowa's capital was located in another Iowa city. In 1847, a different location was even selected as the future home of the Capitol, but the move never happened.

Can you name the Iowa city that was selected in 1847 to become the new location of the Capitol?

08/25/2026

🌯❤️ Reminder! Join us this Thursday!

Give an hour. Make a burrito. Help feed a neighbor.

Join DMHS and Urban Bicycle Food Ministry at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church as we prepare burritos that will be taken directly into the Des Moines community to serve people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

After volunteering, stay for a special evening exploring Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, hearing stories from longtime member Dave Carlson, and experiencing a live demonstration of Des Moines’ oldest working pipe organ.

🙌 UBFM volunteers receive FREE admission to the tour!

📅 Thursday, August 27
🤝 Volunteers arrive at 5:00 PM
🍽️ Meal & welcome at 6:30 PM

Can’t volunteer? You can still help! UBFM is collecting needed supplies, with bug spray currently being the greatest need, along with travel-size toiletries, hand sanitizer, personal wipes, C and D batteries, socks, clothing, and other personal care items.

Come lend a hand, help care for our neighbors, and enjoy a special evening of Des Moines history. ❤️

👉 Register with the link below or visit desmoineshistoricalsociety.org!

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dxnxvmj/lp/e3fd1cec-ad29-417f-bff6-f13b718f1a04

Explore the history, architecture, and continuing mission of Capitol Hill Lutheran Church through a guided tour, live pipe organ demonstration, historic archives, and stories shared by lifelong member Dave Carlson. Members may also choose to volunteer with the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry before the....

08/22/2026

Give an hour. Make a burrito. Help feed a neighbor. 🌯❤️

This Thursday, join DMHS and Urban Bicycle Food Ministry (UBFM) at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church and help prepare burritos that will be taken directly into the Des Moines community to serve people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

It’s a simple act, but it matters. A warm meal, a few basic necessities, and a little kindness can mean a lot to someone going through a difficult time.

After volunteering, stay for a special evening to explore Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, hear stories from longtime member Dave Carlson, and experience a live demonstration of Des Moines’ oldest working pipe organ.

🙌 UBFM volunteers receive FREE admission to the tour!

📅 Thursday, August 27
🤝 Volunteers arrive at 5:00 PM
🍽️ Meal & welcome at 6:30 PM

Can’t volunteer? You can still help. ❤️
UBFM is also collecting needed supplies. Bug spray is currently the greatest need, along with travel-size toiletries, hand sanitizer, personal wipes, C and D batteries, socks, clothing, and other personal care items.

Come lend a hand, help care for our neighbors, and stay for a special evening of Des Moines history.

👉 Register with the link below or on our website at desmoineshistoricalsociety.org/

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dxnxvmj/lp/e3fd1cec-ad29-417f-bff6-f13b718f1a04

08/22/2026

Come hear Des Moines’ oldest working pipe organ this Thursday! 🎶

Join the Des Moines Historical Society for a special evening at historic Capitol Hill Lutheran Church. Explore the beautiful architecture, hear stories from longtime member Dave Carlson, and experience the pipe organ with a live demonstration.

See a mission in action! Come at 5:00 PM and help Urban Bicycle Food Ministry prepare burritos for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. UBFM volunteers receive FREE admission!

📅 Thursday, August 27
🍽️ Tour guests arrive at 6:30 PM
🎟️ Members $5 | Non-members $10

Space is limited. Get your tickets today!

👉 Register with the link below or on our website at desmoineshistoricalsociety.org/

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dxnxvmj/lp/e3fd1cec-ad29-417f-bff6-f13b718f1a04

08/20/2026

🏠 Throwback Thursday: The History of Beaverdale

Today, Beaverdale is known for its beautiful brick homes, tree-lined streets, and charming neighborhood feel. But this part of Des Moines once looked much more rural.

In the nineteenth century, the area was considered the western edge of Des Moines and was home to large tracts of land devoted to fruit orchards and truck farms. Travelers made their way through the area along the old Fort Dodge Stage Road, which was later renamed Beaver Avenue in 1903 and paved with brick in 1917.

The neighborhood began taking shape in the early 1900s. The Urbandale Improvement League was established in 1907 to advocate for churches, schools, and better roads. Streetcars also helped connect residents with the rest of Des Moines.

Most of the neighborhood was developed between the 1920s and 1940s, when automobiles were becoming an important part of everyday life. Local developers built homes in a variety of traditional styles, including the famous Beaverdale Bricks that began appearing in 1938.

Beaverdale also has some fascinating commercial history. The building at 2706 Beaver Avenue was built in 1930 for Acanthus Lodge #632 and later housed two theaters, the Gem Theater and the Beaver Theater.

Today, Beaverdale is one of Des Moines’ most recognizable historic neighborhoods, but its story began with farms, orchards, stagecoaches, and streetcars.

🏛What’s your favorite piece of Beaverdale history?