Hours
Sunday - Monday Closed
Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
2026 Memorial Weekend at the Museum
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What a day to be at the Gold Star Museum!
Come out and honor our veterans and the fallen! May 25th, 2026 from 5:00 am to Noon
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2026 Memorial Day Special Presentation
On May 25, 2026, come see live two separate presentations starting at 10:00 am and then 11:00 am.
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2026 Blood Drive We Need Your Help
Please come out and combine two great events, the Memorial Day celebration and donate blood for our annual Blood Drive.
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Coffee Drive for Veterans
Free “Military Style” breakfast! May 25, 2026 starting 6:00 am - 9:00 am. Drive-by or walk up to drop coffee donations
5th Annual Non-Tactical Event
Vietnam War Living History
Living History Volunteers Wanted!
Sunday, May 31, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Camp Dodge (Johnson, Iowa).
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Blood Drive 2026 WE NEED YOUR HELP
Help Support the Blood Drive
Please come out and combine two great events, the Memorial Day celebration and donate blood for our annual Blood Drive.
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Memorial Day 2026 Special Presentation
Jack Shelley was a war correspondent from Des Moines (WHO Radio). He visited a dozen different frontline divisions in the weeks just before, during, and after the Battle of the Bulge.
DROP IN TOURS AVAILABLE
Drop in Tours
Now Offering Drop in Tours!
Saturdays at 11:30am
Groups of 10 or more require a reservation
Contact the museum at 515-727-3216 or email Elizabeth Burrow at elizabeth.burrow@dpd.iowa.gov.
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2024 DES MOINES' PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Voted Silver Award 2nd place for Best Museum
LOREN HORTON COMMUNITY HISTORY AWARD
An award that recognizes outstanding local history projects completed during the previous calendar year. It's namesake represented the State Historical Society of Iowa in many capacities from 1973 until 1996.
Award Recipient - Iowa Gold Star Military Museum of Johnston, IowaProject - Living History Weekend
Oral History Interviews
Oral History Interviews
Visit the new Veteran Oral History interviews Playlist. Sponsored by Bravo of Greater Des Moines!
Guidelines
No food of any kind allowed
No drinking containers of any kind including water bottles
No Umbrellas
No bags (Exception purses and diaper bags)</ul>