Iowa Files: The Rise and Fall of Center Street

Program Type:

Program

Age Group:

All Ages, Adults
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Event Details

Center Street was a vibrant Black neighborhood of Des Moines from 1900-1970, boasting thriving businesses and entertainment options. But this neighborhood was destroyed when the decision was made to build I-235 through downtown. Leo Landis, State Curator, State Historical Society of Iowa shares pictures, documents and stories about the repercussions of this all too common occurrence.

This joint library-Historical Society event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of West Des Moines Historical Society Members, EMC Insurance Foundation, the West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation and the Iowa Arts Council. 

All Iowa Files programs will be live streamed on the West Des Moines Historical Society’s Facebook Page and all videos will be closed captioned. They will also be uploaded to their YouTube channel after the event takes place.