“Step back in time” whispers the wind around Odd Fellows Hall. The Des Moines Historical Society resides here. It is more than just a building. It is a portal to Des Moines’ vibrant past.
The Des Moines Historical Society preserves the area’s rich history. It began as the Des Moines-Zenith Improvement Club in 1978. This was during the American Revolution Bicentennial celebration. The society aimed to continue collecting historical items. They also wanted to preserve the area’s unique stories.
Let’s explore the society’s mission. It focuses on discovering and preserving knowledge. This knowledge pertains to the greater Des Moines area. This includes southern King County in Washington State.
Inside the Odd Fellows Hall, thousands of artifacts await. Images and monographs tell tales of historical events. They depict work, entertainment, and everyday life. Travel back to homestead days in the 1870s. Experience a time when Des Moines was remote. Imagine a place without electricity or bus service. See the tools and toys people used.
Progress marches on. The museum showcases modern times too. Power and automobiles brought faster communication. Mobility and emergency services arrived. The Des Moines Historical Society Museum is a time capsule. It represents both the city and America itself.
The Odd Fellows Hall has a colorful past. It has housed a police station and a jail. A fire station and a school also resided here. It even served as City Hall. For nearly a century, clubs and churches met here. Various organizations also gathered within these walls.
Joe McHugh interviewed long-time residents in 2005. These “natives” and “transplants” shared their stories. Their interviews inform and enlighten. They might even move you. You can explore these interviews on the society’s website.
The Des Moines Historical Society Museum added its database in June 2007. It is called Pieces of the Past. This site makes the photo collection more accessible. It also helps preserve the original items. The Friends of the Des Moines Library aided this project. The King County Library System Foundation also provided support.
Visiting the museum is free. Donations are always appreciated. The museum is open specific hours. Check the schedule before your visit. It is open from 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of each month. It is also open every Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can make an appointment at other times.
The Des Moines Historical Society is south of downtown Seattle. Take the SR-516 exit from I-5. Head west on Kent-Des Moines Road. This becomes Marine View Drive South. Turn west onto South 225th Street. The museum is in the historic Odd Fellows Hall. Find the entrance on Backstage Alley.
The Des Moines Historical Society stands as a testament. It honors the past. It provides a link between generations. It ensures that the stories of Des Moines live on.