In October, the Ames History Museum (AHM) held a grand reopening event celebrating their new expansion project and permanent installation. The weekend event saw nearly 1,000 guests visit the Museum, officially launching a new era for the organization.
Founded in 1980, the Ames History Museum provides unique opportunities to learn about Ames history through exhibits, programs, research assistance, and stewardship of artifact and archival collections. They are active on social media, documenting and sharing moments in Ames history with a robust collection of photographs and stories.
Located in Downtown Ames, the museum purchased the adjacent Pantorium building in August 2021 and subsequently launched their fundraising campaign.
“We were excited to see the community come together and support this project,” said Executive Director Casie Vance, acknowledging that much of the fundraising has come from business and private support. AHM was also awarded a $400,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority that helped finalize their expansion plans.
The $4.5 million construction project began in September 2023, closing the museum for over a year as the project combined the two buildings into one facility.
The preservation and restoration of the Ames Pantorium building was included as part of the expansion project, including its iconic exterior sign. The original 1926 Pantorium building was home to a dry-cleaning business. The building is architecturally and historically significant as a contributing building to the Ames Main Street National Register Historic District.
When the museum reopened, it included a permanent installation called “Ames: From Prairie to Present.” The exhibit provides an overview of Ames history including several timelines, with emphasis on transportation, signage, theaters, schools, the Tribune, and more.
Exhibits and programs in the expanded museum will bring visitors to Downtown Ames, foster community pride, and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with the past.
Learn more about the Ames History Museum on their website:
