The Des Moines Women's Club
Founded in 1885 by a small group of community-minded
women. In appreciation of the Club's rich heritage,
current members share the continued commitment of the
early members to preserve and maintain Hoyt Sherman
Place and its valuable contents for the enjoyment, education
and enrichment of the public.

Committees function throughout the year to plan and
implement the many Club activities. Members exercise their
talents and creativity as they plan informative programs,
fund-raising activities, special luncheons, and card parties.
The Club awards several scholarships each year and sponsors
an annual Art Exhibition with cash awards to both professional
and non professional area artists.

Hoyt Sherman Place is a beautifully preserved treasure of the
Victorian Era with a 1253 seat theater recently restored to its
original grandeur. It was placed on the National Register of
Historic Places in 1977.

In 1907, an addition to the original home was built to house
artwork obtained by the Women's Club. This became the first
public art gallery in Des Moines.