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Amana Heritage Museum, Amana, IA

Discover the fascinating history of the Amana followers that emigrated from Europe in search of a peaceful, communal life at the Amana Heritage Museum as part of this group motorcoach vacation package. Amana Heritage Museum is located in Amana, one of the seven Amana villages on 26,000 acres of land in east-central Iowa founded by German Pietists who sought peace in Iowa after they were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the Lutheran Church for their beliefs. Today the Amana Heritage Museum is dedicated to the preservation and education of the Amana Colonies. Comprised of three 19th century buildings, the museum offers a rich historical experience of the German communal settlement in the Iowa Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visiting the Amana Heritage Museum

During your visit to the Amana Heritage Museum, learn about communal life in the Amana Colonies as you explore the museum’s Noé House, Woodshed and Washhouse, and Schoolhouse set amid spacious grounds.

The Noé House

Start your visit to the Amana Heritage Museum in the Noé House, built of locally produced brick in 1864. Originally a communal kitchen and later a doctor’s residence, the Noé House depicts a church interior and contains exhibits that trace the development and history of Amana as well as displays of the varied crafts and industries of the Inspirationists.

Washhouse and Woodshed

Just south of the Noé House is the original Washhouse and Woodshed. Step inside a building that was once an integral part of communal Amana and delight in the Washhouse and Woodshed’s wine-making and gardening displays.

The Schoolhouse

Built in 1870, the Schoolhouse operated as a school until 1954 after which it served as the Amana Post Office and a Sunday school. Acquired by the Amana Heritage Museum in 1976, the Schoolhouse offers visitors much to explore. Step inside the Schoolhouse and wander through the Christmas Room and a Kinderschule, translated into English as a Children’s School. The Schoolhouse also houses toys, dolls, handwork, carpet, weaving, and a communal Amana school display. In addition a 20-minute, award-winning audio visual presentation in the Schoolhouse auditorium explores Amana’s rich history.

Travel Tips

- In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Amana Heritage Museum features temporary exhibits and special programs that focus on particular aspects of Amana’s culture.

- The 20-minute audio visual presentation in the Schoolhouse is shown regularly during museum hours.

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