House adopts resolution honoring Jordan House Museum

The Iowa House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 109, honoring the Jordan House Museum in West Des Moines and calling for its inclusion in the United States’ 250th anniversary commemorations.

Representative Polk presented the resolution and moved its adoption. The resolution text describes the Jordan House as a Victorian home built in 1850 by John James C. Jordan and says it "has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973." The House approved the measure by voice vote after the motion to adopt.

The resolution recounts the Jordan House’s historical significance, saying it served as one of several stations on the Underground Railroad in Iowa and noting the West Des Moines Historical Society’s preservation work. Representative Polk said the House should recognize the museum’s educational programs that highlight the histories of African Americans, Indigenous peoples and early Iowa settlers.

The resolution instructs that copies and a cover letter be sent to members of Iowa’s congressional delegation, the Jordan House and Legacy Trail museum staff, the West Des Moines Historical Society, the West Des Moines city council, Polk County officials, local tourism authorities, and several national institutions including the Smithsonian museums and the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.

Gail Brubaker, executive director of the West Des Moines Historical Society, was introduced as a guest; the introduction noted the museum welcomes more than "4,500 visitors" annually and described local preservation efforts such as the Legacy Woods project.

The House’s action was procedural (adoption by voice vote); the resolution is honorary and directs dissemination of copies to listed institutions and offices.