MEMBERS ONLY TOUR OF EDMUNDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
5 p.m.
1601 Crocker St., Des Moines

Join the Des Moines Historical Society for a last chance to see inside Edmunds Elementary School.

Built in 1972, Edmunds is one of only 12 buildings across the United States designed as an “open concept” building. Once a magnet school for Fine Arts, Edmunds is now a neighborhood school serving the Sherman Hills, Oakridge and Drake Park neighborhoods.

In May 2012, the Des Moines Public Schools broke ground on a new $10.25 million school building that will replace Edmunds. The new building is nearing completion and will be open by the time classes resume in August. Edmunds is slated for demolition soon after classes adjourn for the summer.

This is an opportunity for dues-paying members of the Des Moines Historical Society. Anyone who is not a member may sign up and pay dues at the event in order to participate.


About A. Lillian Edmunds

Lillian Edmunds was a pioneer in race relations who inspired young African-American people with vision and hope at a time when their opportunities for education and meaningful employment were almost nonexistent. Born in 1892, she experienced racial discrimination herself when, educated as a nurse and pharmacist, she was unable to find permanent employment in either profession. She directed the Negro Community Center in Des Moines, later named Willkie House, from 1922 until her death in 1955.

Edmunds assisted in organizing the Iowa-Nebraska Federation of Settlement Houses. At Willkie House, Edmunds always had her door open. She encouraged adults and youth in goal-setting, and she developed neighborhood leadership by strengthening residents' self-esteem. To expand the well-baby clinic program, she secured a volunteer black doctor. Edmunds dedicated herself as a role model and second parent to many children. She served on the Iowa Commission on Children and Youth and was a delegate to the White House Conference on Children and Youth in 1950. Edmunds Elementary School was named in her honor in 1973. She was recognized posthumously by the Iowa Welfare Association for her valued contributions to welfare programs and was inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988.