Henry Wallace House

The Henry Wallace House is a Victorian residence in Des Moines with Italianate design elements, distinguished by its wraparound porch, stacked bay windows, and decorative ironwork. The building now functions as a museum offering exhibits and event spaces for visitors and gatherings.

The house was built in 1883 and became home to Henry Wallace from 1892 onward, a man who founded an influential agricultural newspaper. Through his connections, he contributed to developing agricultural research and education in the region.

The family who lived here shaped agricultural education and farming practices in the region through their publishing work and institutional partnerships. Their home reflects how intellectual ideas about farming and education were developed and shared within this community.

The house is located near 16th and Center Streets and is easily accessible for visitors interested in historic homes. The property is maintained by a foundation that regularly offers tours and exhibitions to the public.

The restoration of the house relied on photographs taken by Josephine Wallace, which allowed for a precise recreation of the original 1883 floor plan and architectural elements. These photographs proved essential in recovering the exact details of how the home appeared when first built.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.59139,-93.63972

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05