When it comes to the history of Des Moines County, there’s so much to know! The Des Moines County Heritage Center shows that this small region has a big role in history! This three-story building was built to be Burlington’s Free Public Library and was completed in 1898. It was then opened as the Heritage Center in 2009.
As soon as you walk into the main entrance, you’re sure to see the stunning Hypatia window. The historians informed me that this stain glass window is their most popular exhibit, for it is original to the building. Hypatia was martyred in 415 AD, by an angry mob of scholars who were threatened by her forward thinking ideas. I believe this makes her the perfect symbol for learning, which you’ll do a lot of in this museum!
Des Moines County has always been filled with the arts, especially music! The Atrium includes the Steinway piano that was used by Martin Bruhl, a local music teacher. His most famous student was Bart Howard, who composed the well-known “Fly Me to the Moon!"
It seems that Des Moines County really enjoys showing off its class. Just ask the first governor of Iowa Territory, Robert Lucas. He arrived by steamboat in Burlington on August 15th, 1838.
Of course, you can’t cover history without going back to the roots. The Native life exhibit shows how the Indian tribes of the Sac and Fox used the natural limestone in the area to create tools.
There are more exciting exhibits in this museum including historical Des Moines County figures, the nineteenth century, the twentieth century, industrial life, and even an interactive area for children. This is a great museum for a family fun filled day of learning!
