Iowa Genealogical Society

Welcome to the Iowa Genealogical Society

Center Info and Hours
Address: 628 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1924

Phone: 515-276-0287

Open Hours:


 * Monday:  10:00am-4:00pm
 * Tuesday:  10:00am-9:00pm
 * Wednesday:  10:00am-4:00pm
 * Thursday: 10:00am-9:00pm
 * Friday:  10:00am-4:00pm
 * Saturday:  10:00am-4:00pm

Hardware and Equipment
Hardware and Equipment:


 * 7 computers (internet access), 1 printer, 13 overhead microfilm readers, 13 microfiche readers and 1 microfiche reader/microfilm scanner.

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The Iowa Genealogical Society’s mission is to create and foster an interest in genealogy and to aid others in researching their family history.

The purpose of the Iowa Genealogical Society is to meet the educational needs of its members and the general public through the acquisition, preservation and dissemination of genealogical, historical and cultural information.

The Iowa Genealogical Society library is available to the public. There is a non-member daily usage fee of $10.00. The extensive collection of books, microforms, and periodicals in addition to Iowa materials includes materials for many other states. The traditional resources within the library include our 20,000 volumes and 15,000 microforms covering the United States as well as many other countries. These vital records, histories, federal and state census records, military records, and other information combined with our extensive family history collection provide you, the researcher, with an abundance of sources—many are one of a kind. IGS is also an LDS Affiliated Library and provides volunteer library assistance. Ancestry.com Library Edition is available for patrons.

IGS offers many classes and several conferences throughout the year. Research assistance is available for a small fee.

IGS is located 628 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1924 in the historic East Village section of the downtown area. We are two blocks west of the State Capitol Building and directly across the street from the Iowa State Archives. The Library can be reached by taking Interstate 235 and exiting on NE 14th St. traveling south to Grand Ave. and turning west for 8 blocks. Free parking is available in front of the library. A state parking garage is located adjacent to our building. There is metered parking on the street in front of the facility. 628 East Grand Avenue is fully handicapped accessible.

IGS is supported solely by memberships and donations. By becoming a member, you will receive:

• Help, support and friendship of like-minded folk • Discounts on educational opportunities, classes and conferences and on research fees • Access to Members Only classes • Networking opportunities (which means you get answers) • Email notification of upcoming events and classes • Access to genealogical interest groups • Help tearing down “brick walls” • Opportunity to participate in special projects • Free access to the IGS Library

Contact us at [mailto:igs@iowagenealogy.org igs@iowagenealogy.org] or 515-276-0287. Find out more about the Iowa Genealogical Society on the web at Iowa Genealogical Society.