Glimpse history through old images of Des Moines, Iowa.
Des Moines Capitol Building
In this segment is from Iowa Public Television’s documentary ‘This Old Statehouse’, we learn about the Des Moines’ Capitol building.
Construction was started in 1871 and was completed in 1886.
Just over a minute long, the item includes many old photos and is packed with information.
The History of the Iowa Capitol Building in Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa PBS on YouTube
Old Photos of the Early 1900s
Des Moines, Iowa During The Early 1900s (Picture Slideshow) – Angie’s Archives on YouTube
Downtown in the 1960s
Although the focus in this 8mm home movie wasn’t set properly, it was recorded at a time that not many people made home movies of local streets.
There’s a nice variety of locations, and plenty of people and cars passing by.
Downtown Des Moines circa 1958 or early 1960s – Jason Titus on YouTube
1960s Memories
Old photos and pictures of items from the 1960s.
MEMORIES OF DES MOINES, IOWA in the 1960’s – Mark Ohlson on YouTube
Des Moines 1978
If this speedy drive through Des Moines is too fast for you, slow down the playback speed with the settings button.
Trip Through Des Moines, 1978 – TeknikalAdvizer on YouTube
Black Des Moines 1985
Held by the Special Collections Department and University Archives at Iowa State University Library, this is a visual record of the memories and experiences of people of color in Des Moines which was originally aired on WOI-TV on September 10, 1985.
Vintage film clips, old photos, and interviews recount the history of the black community in Des Moines, Iowa from the mid-1800s, and includes memories of the 1920s and 1930s and the impact of disruption caused by the freeway construction and urban renewal programs.
Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard (1985) – Iowa State University. Library. Curation Services on YouTube
Great Flood 1993
In the summer of 1993, the Raccoon River breached its banks and flooded the Des Moines Water Works treatment facility, leaving the city residents without drinking water for two weeks!
C-SPAN Cities Tour – Des Moines: Great Flood of 1993 – C-SPAN on YouTube
Antiques Roadshow 2010
In August 2010, hundreds of people brought in their old and treasured items for valuation by the Antiques Roadshow team.
Antiques Roadshow: Des Moines – Behind the Scenes – Iowa PBS on YouTube
