Are you looking for something fun and educational
to do with your students this spring? Why not
bring them to the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education
Center and see where history was made! Located
South of Des Moines on Army Post Road, the museum
honors both the first class of African-American
men who trained at Fort Des Moines as officers
during WWI and the women who also trained at Fort
Des Moines and served in the Women's Army Auxiliary
Corps (W AAC) during WWII. Because of the above
firsts, they helped to correct some of our country's
racial and gender stereotypes and allowed African
Americans and women to gain liberties in many
other areas.
The museum has age-based learning programs and
many exhibits that would interest students. In
the museum are videos of an African-American soldier
and WAC soldier telling their stories of training
at the Fort and life overseas. We have several
hands-on objects such as a record player and radio
which plays period music, an antique typewriter
that students can practice their typing skills,
and a trumpet that plays a recording of an African-American
Army band. Students can also test their horse
riding skills on a replica of a saddle once used
by the Buffalo Soldiers (early African-American
Calvary soldiers), and try on a World War I backpack.
The museum programs focus on 3rd _12th grades
and younger students may need assistance from
adults. Students will enjoy our scavenger hunts
that meet many of the Des Moines School social
studies requirements, mentioned hands-on activities,
and learn how to drill and jump out of an airplane.
The museum is open Monday thru Friday from 9
am to 4 pm and by appointment during weekends.
The cost to visit the museum is $1.00 per student
and $5.00 per adult. However, funding is available
on a first come, first served basis. Because dates
are filling fast, please contact me without delay
to reserve a date. If you are unable to bring
your students out to the museum, we can bring
the museum to your classroom. I can be reached
at 515-282-8060 or at Katesedu@qwest.net.
-This was the best museum I have ever been to!
Belmina, 7 grade student
-We learned a lot about Fort Des Moines history
and the people in it. Even though it was educational,
it was lots of fun.
Lainie, 5 grade
-This is a great way to develop student’s
sense of citizenship, something no matter what
you’re teaching you want your students to
learn. Phyllis Goodman, Science Teacher
-This museum provides students a look at a history
not taught in the classroom, but a very important
part of Iowa, American History Des Moines Teacher
