Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

The West Des Moines Historical Society is seeking energetic and detail oriented volunteers to help with a new project- a master inventory of the Jordan House and Bennett School Museums. Both museums house collections of artifacts dating back to the early days of the State, and we are launching a huge project to ensure the protection and preservation of all the items. 

The volunteer opportunity would require you to take an inventory of each room and compare this inventory to existing paper records. Each object in the room will be cataloged, inspected and a detailed form filled out for the purpose of entering into a computerized database. Each item will be photographed for identification purposes. 

Volunteer requirements: 

Detail and task oriented, able to work unsupervised with a given task list Able to fill in specific description in provided form Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.  Must have legible printing/handwriting Ability to volunteer 8-15 hours a month Comfortable in MS Word and Excel Comfortable operating digital camera

The West Des Moines Historical Society (WDMHS) is seeking new members to join our Board of Directors. This is a volunteer opportunity to work collectively with other board members to oversee the governance of the WDMHS. The Board meets monthly for approximately one and a half hours.  Board terms are a three year commitment, with the option to serve an additional three years. All Board members are asked to serve on at least one Committee and participate in monthly committee meetings. WDMHS Committees are: Buildings & Grounds, Membership Development (Individuals), Fundraising (Corporate/Government), Education, Promotions/Special Events, Governance, Program Outreach: Special Populations and Exhibits.

Board members should believe in the mission of the WDMHS which is: The West Des Moines Historical Society is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to Community Enrichment through Educaiton, Preservation & Celebration of the History and Heritage of West Des Moines.

The WDMHS owns and manages events, activities and education at two significant properties in West Des Moines. The historic home of James C. Jordan (2001 Fuller Road) is the only Central Iowa stop on the Underground Railroad open to the public. The Bennett School (4001 Fuller Road) was built in 1926 and is one of the very last one-room schoolhouses utilized In Polk County.

The West Des Moines Historical Society is specifically interested in volunteers with experience in one or more of the following competencies: corporate fundraising, marketing, communications and human resources. Expertise in these areas across varying platforms such as social media, web, print, etc. is preferred. Prior experience in non-profit fundraising would also be preferred. The Board member would assist with the development and creation of marketing materials and/or with initiatives to ultimately meet the fundraising needs of WDMHS. This is a great opportunity for a professional to serve their community while gaining valuable teamwork and management experience.

If you are interested in this position or would like more information regarding the opportunity or about our organization, we’d love to hear from you! Call Executive Director Gale Brubaker at 515.225.1286 or via email at gbrubaker@wdmhs.org.