Barn Museum



Ten years after our initial house moving project (which included four years of conversations, three years of negotiations with the school district, two years of planning, and a year of fundraising efforts), we broke ground on a new Barn addition to the Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum. Construction began in May 2005, with hopes to have the Barn Museum addition open by early 2006. Numberous members, well wishers, volunteers, and dignitaries attended the ceremony where Terrace Elementary third grade teacher Marge Schima and two of her students, John Nelson & Shelby Miller, chiseled out the first shovel of dirt to mark the beginning of the 30' x 70' two-story building. After touring the museums the previous fall, Ms. Schima's class raised $20 for the museum. The Barn, now complete and loaded with exhibits, is ready for you to come and explore during one of our open houses.



In the barn...


Des Moines Ordnance Plant
The Des Moines Ordnance Plant display shows how .30 and .50 caliber bullets were made here in Ankeny, and discusses the vital part the plant played in the broader scope of World War II, and in the community as well. We have articles that detail the experiences of families who were displaced by the building of the plant, as the U.S. government purchased their farmland and did not give them the option to stay. View the videos.
Our exhibit about the Des Moines Ordnance Plant is the largest Iowa exhibit about the plant using text, photos, and artifacts. The exhibit traces the history of the plant, which was built in Ankeny in 1941. We also have video interviews from the men and women who worked there that are available to view. Various artifacts and oral histories from World War I and II are available for viewing in the barn.

Military Items
Many Ankeny men and women have served our country in wars and conflicts. Some of the artifacts brought home are displayed at the museum, along with uniforms and vintage photos. We cannot thank our forefathers enough for their service, and we appreciate all their efforts for our freedom.



The Floppy Show
