Wallace Centers of Iowa Wallace Centers of Iowa

Tour the Country Life Center
Tour the Wallace House
Watch a Program
Listen to a Program
Become a Member
See photos from Recent Events
In 2009, the Wallace House Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa and the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center in rural Orient, Iowa merged to form The Wallace Centers of Iowa. The new organization's mission is "Building Community by Engaging Citizens in Meaningful Conversation and Active Learning." Together, the two historic sites offer a variety of neutral, non-partisan programs and services which engage citizens, community leaders, and students:

Agri-tourism Programs, Historic Tours and Archives: Provides information about the achievements of Wallace family members to students, authors, researchers, and the public for reports, articles, books, historical exhibits, and general interest. Fees apply to groups; reservations recommended.

Community-building consulting for neighborhoods, towns, non-profit organizations, and people who share a common interest. Using a unique model and process, the Community Success program fosters civil dialogue; shapes a broad, grass roots-supported vision; and translates that vision into action. Fees apply.

Production and sale of more than 40 organically-grown fruits and vegetables to local grocery stores, farmers markets, and Community Supported Agriculture subscribers.

The Gathering Table Cafe at the Country Life Center offers luncheon dining nearly year-round that utilizes locally-grown food.

Dialogue Dinners: Community experts, WCI members and guests gather around the dinner table for facilitated conversations about current issues. Fees apply.

Educational workshops for communities on how to meet challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Entrepreneurial food production processes and activities.

The Wallace Centers of Iowa builds on the Wallace family legacy of education and public service, and believes that positive outcomes for communities can occur when citizens:

Seek knowledge through research and the study of Wallace family history.
Respect and listen to the views of others.
Participate in the process of community building.
"Enlist in the great work of ennobling and dignifying man"—"Uncle Henry" Wallace.
"Share the abundance of joyous living"—Henry A. Wallace.












Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 2
Thursday lunches at the Country Life Center

Looking for lunch? Thursday lunches are offered from the beginning of June to the end of September from 11 am to 1 pm.

Friday, September 3
Friday Lunches at the Country Life Center

Delicious lunches are held on Fridays nearly year-round at the Country Life Center. The changing menu utilizes fresh produce and herbs from the garden.

Saturday, September 18
Front Porch Iowa Wine Tasting

The Front Porch Iowa Wine Tasting event will be at the Wallace House in Des Moines from 2 to 6 pm. Cost is $5 per person. Purchase tickets by calling 515-243-7063.

Thursday, October 14 to Saturday, October 16
Scary Prairie

Thrill-seekers can prowl through ten acres of tallgrass prairie during "Scary Prairie" at the Country Life Center.

Thursday, November 18 to Saturday, November 20
Holiday Boutique

The boutique’s trademark is one-of-a-kind products hand-crafted by southern Iowa artists.

For more details visit our events page.

Upcoming Events
756 Sixteenth Street, Des Moines, Iowa • 2773 290th Street, Orient, Iowa
515-243-7063 (Des Moines) • 641-337-5019 (Orient)
Email: info@wallace.org