DES MOINES, Iowa — The West Des Moines Historical Society and the city of West Des Moines held the First Annual Heritage Jubilee Saturday afternoon, celebrating 175 years since the construction of the first phase of the Historic Jordan House.

The Heritage Jubilee featured live music, heritage vendors and live demonstrations. Gale Brubaker, the Executive Director of the West Des Moines Historical Society, said she was happy to celebrate the Jordan House’s rich history with the public.

“If you don’t remember history, you’re doomed to repeat it. Isn’t that how the saying goes? And there’s a lot of history to be proud of. And here at the Jordan house, while we focus primarily on the Underground Railroad, which is amazing history, there are a lot of other stories to be told. So this is just the first part of reaching out to a lot of community groups and trying to offer them the opportunity to tell their stories,” Brubaker said.

The Victorian home was build by abolitionist James C. Jordan and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Brubaker said she hopes to hold the jubilee again next year.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that we have this turnout and we hope to make this an annual event. So we really want this to be an introduction to the community of the amazing Legacy. One project that’s next door and the opportunities are endless,” Brubaker said.

To learn more about the Historic Jordan House, visit the West Des Moines Historical Societies website.