Des Moines County, Iowa, is a vibrant area with a rich past.  Located along a bend of the Mississippi River in the southeast portion of the state, the county contains rich farmland and cozy communities where more than 40,000 people reside.  The history of this remarkable area is as diverse as the communities of which it is formed.
 

The Des Moines County Historical Society maintains three museums in Burlington: the Heritage Center (501 North Fourth, Burlington), the Phelps House Museum (521 Columbia, Burlington), and the Hawkeye Log Cabin Museum (located at the south end of Main Street in Crapo Park, Burlington).   The Heritage Center houses the Bart Howard Room, a cabaret/performance space developed in memory of Bart Howard, composer of "Fly Me to the Moon," who was born and raised in Burlington.  A small gift shop is also located at the Heritage Center.

The Des Moines County Historical Society is a non-profit organization operated by a small staff and many dedicated volunteers.  Donations of time and materials related to the history of the county are  welcome and appreciated as is monetary support.

 

Postcards from the DMCHS collection

Gift ideas from the Museum Gift Shop

Snake Alley Pillows - Model planes and rockets - Puzzles - DMCHS Memberships

Shop during office or museum hours

Annual Memberships

All members receive a regular newsletter and a 10% discount at the museum gift shop.

Individual Membership ($15.00 per year)

includes free admission to all DMCHS museums for one adult.

Family Membership ($30.00 per year)

includes free admission to all DMCHS museums for two adults and minor children/grandchildren.

Sponsor Membership ($50.00 per year)

includes free admission to all DMCHS museums for two adults and minor children/grandchildren plus four one-time guest passes.

Benefactor Membership ($100.00 per year)

includes free admission to all DMCHS museums for two adults and minor children/grandchildren plus six one-time guest passes and discounts for DMCHS classes and workshops.

ShoQuoQuon Society Membership ($500.00 per year)

includes free admission to all DMCHS museums for two adults and minor children/grandchildren plus eight one-time guest passes, two free admissions to a DMCHS special event and discounts for DMCHS classes and workshops.

Grimes-Salter Society ($1,000.00)

includes free admission to all DMCHS museums for two adults and minor children/grandchildren plus ten one-time guest passes, two free admissions to two DMCHS special events and discounts for DMCHS classes and workshops.

Corporate memberships are also available.                                       Join DMCHS