Farm House Museum | Ames

The Farm House Museum, located at the heart of the Iowa State University Campus in Ames, Iowa, is the oldest building on campus and serves as a living museum of Iowa’s agricultural and university history. It combines historical preservation, educational programming, and public engagement, reflecting the university’s roots as a land-grant institution.

Historical Background
Constructed in 1861, the Farm House originally served as the residence for early faculty and administrators of the Iowa Agricultural College, the precursor to Iowa State University. Its original occupants included professors and the first president of the college, living on-site to manage the experimental farm and agricultural programs.

The house witnessed significant changes over time: expansions, renovations, and adaptations reflected both the growth of the university and changing standards of domestic life. In 1976, the building was restored and opened to the public as the Farm House Museum, focusing on the history of agriculture, campus life, and the development of Iowa State University.

Architecture and Layout
The Farm House is a two-story wood-frame structure featuring mid-19th-century design elements characteristic of rural Iowa:

Exterior: Simple, symmetrical design with a pitched roof, clapboard siding, and traditional porch elements.

Interior: Restored rooms reflect the living conditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, furnished with period furniture, household tools, and personal artifacts.

Outbuildings: The property includes reconstructed barns, sheds, and farm implements that demonstrate agricultural practices of the era.

The museum emphasizes historical authenticity while accommodating modern visitor needs, with guided tours and interpretive signage.

Collections and Exhibits
The Farm House Museum highlights the intersection of university history and Iowa’s agricultural heritage:

Domestic Life: Rooms display original furniture, clothing, and household items used by early faculty and their families.

Agricultural History: Exhibits showcase farm tools, machinery, and crops, reflecting the experimental work that shaped Iowa State’s land-grant mission.

University Growth: Photographs, documents, and artifacts illustrate the evolution of campus life and the development of academic programs.

Special Exhibits: Temporary exhibits occasionally focus on topics like student life, Iowa agriculture, or regional history.

Educational and Community Role
The museum functions as both an educational resource and cultural landmark:

University Programs: Students in history, museum studies, and agriculture use the site for research and experiential learning.

Public Engagement: School groups, families, and visitors participate in guided tours, seasonal events, and workshops.

Heritage Preservation: The museum preserves early architecture and demonstrates historical agricultural practices, offering insight into Iowa’s rural past.

Modern Identity
Today, the Farm House Museum is recognized as a living piece of Iowa State University’s history, bridging the past and present. It provides visitors with an immersive experience of 19th-century campus life, early agricultural innovation, and the personal stories of the university’s founding families.

It remains a key educational and cultural attraction on campus, embodying the university’s legacy as a land-grant institution and serving as a tangible link to Iowa’s agricultural and educational heritage.