Des Moines Historical Society

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Des Moines Historical Society The Des Moines Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Des Moines, Iowa.

We connect our city's past with its present through education and community engagement.

Throwback ThursdayOn October 29, 1928, two of baseball's biggest stars, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, came to Des Moines to ...
10/22/2026

Throwback Thursday

On October 29, 1928, two of baseball's biggest stars, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, came to Des Moines to play an exhibition game at Western League Park.

But there was another future baseball legend in the crowd.

Nine-year-old Bob Feller was there to watch the two stars play. Feller would go on to become one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

Ruth and Gehrig both hit home runs during the game, which ended with Gehrig's team winning 15–4.

Trivia Tuesday AnswerBob FellerBorn in 1918, Bob Feller grew up on his family’s farm near Van Meter, where his father bu...
10/21/2026

Trivia Tuesday Answer

Bob Feller

Born in 1918, Bob Feller grew up on his family’s farm near Van Meter, where his father built a baseball field so he could practice pitching. Feller’s talent quickly became apparent, and as a teenager, he played semipro baseball in Des Moines for the Farmers Union team.

At just 17 years old, Feller made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1936. He went on to become one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, earning eight All-Star selections, winning 266 games, throwing three no-hitters, and being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Feller also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, putting his baseball career on hold for nearly four years. Despite becoming a national sports legend, he remained closely connected to his Iowa roots throughout his life.

Trivia Tuesday In 1928, a future baseball legend watched Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play an exhibition game in Des Moines....
10/20/2026

Trivia Tuesday

In 1928, a future baseball legend watched Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play an exhibition game in Des Moines. Who was the young fan?

Join the Des Moines Historical Society for a Historic Happy Hour at Chuck’s Restaurant this Thursday, October 22, from 4...
10/18/2026

Join the Des Moines Historical Society for a Historic Happy Hour at Chuck’s Restaurant this Thursday, October 22, from 4:30–7:30 PM!

Learn about the history of this longtime Des Moines landmark through an oral history with owner Emily Jones and small-group tours. Hear stories about the restaurant’s traditions, renovation, and future plans.

Enjoy a drink, explore the restaurant’s history, and join in on a special bingo game featuring a chance to win a $50 Chuck’s Restaurant gift certificate!

Tour times: 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, and 5:30 PM. Small-group tours will be organized based on attendance.

We hope to see you there for an evening of local history, fun, and community!

Throwback ThursdayOn October 19, 1857, Des Moines officially became the capital of Iowa.The move from Iowa City to Des M...
10/15/2026

Throwback Thursday

On October 19, 1857, Des Moines officially became the capital of Iowa.

The move from Iowa City to Des Moines was no easy journey. There were no railroad tracks west of Iowa City yet, so state records and equipment had to be transported overland.

One of the more unusual items making the journey was the state treasurer's safe, which was hauled by ten yoke of oxen on two sleds.

At the time, the new State Capitol building in Des Moines wasn't even finished. But the decision to move the state government here would forever change the future of the city.

Trivia Tuesday Answer Des Moines officially became the capital of Iowa.
10/14/2026

Trivia Tuesday Answer

Des Moines officially became the capital of Iowa.

Trivia Tuesday On October 19, 1857, Des Moines officially gained what important distinction?
10/13/2026

Trivia Tuesday

On October 19, 1857, Des Moines officially gained what important distinction?

Throwback ThursdayLong before Des Moines became the city we know today, it was a young community growing along the Des M...
10/08/2026

Throwback Thursday

Long before Des Moines became the city we know today, it was a young community growing along the Des Moines River.

On October 18, 1851, voters approved the incorporation of Des Moines as a city, helping establish the local government that would guide the community's future growth.

At the time, Des Moines looked very different from the city we know today. The community was still developing, and many of the streets, buildings, and neighborhoods that would eventually define the city had yet to be built.

More than 170 years later, that small community has grown into Iowa's capital city.

Trivia Tuesday Answer Voters approved the incorporation of Des Moines as a city.
10/07/2026

Trivia Tuesday Answer

Voters approved the incorporation of Des Moines as a city.

Trivia Tuesday What important event took place in Des Moines on October 18, 1851?
10/06/2026

Trivia Tuesday

What important event took place in Des Moines on October 18, 1851?

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Des Moines, IA

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