Our vision

Showcase the journey of Italian immigrants to Iowa and highlight their significant impact on the state. Through the creation of a museum, event venue, and educational center, we aspire to attract businesses and individuals from all corners of Iowa. We aim to make Des Moines the ultimate destination for everything Italian, offering a rich experience blending tourism, education, history, and leisure.

We will realize this vision by expanding our programs. Our goals include:

Youth Programs

Expand opportunities for children to connect with their cultural roots through an enriched summer camp experience, featuring Italian Folk Dance workshops, language immersion sessions, culinary explorations, artistic endeavors, and genealogy courses. Establish an Education Center dedicated to providing a wide array of offerings including classes, specialized education programs, interactive workshops, and school visit opportunities. Offer Community Service Hours to high school seniors.

Senior Programs

Create avenues for seniors to engage in mentoring, volunteering, and teaching courses. Establish a Senior Garden to provide a nurturing environment for seniors to cultivate and harvest vegetables. Introduce Senior Dinners, offering monthly communal meals tailored to the needs of our senior community.

Cultural & Heritage Programs

Expand our Immigrant Museum to provide a comprehensive exploration of the rich heritage of Italian immigrants in Iowa and launch an Italian Museum dedicated to showcasing rotating exhibits that highlight the diverse and vibrant culture and history of Italy. Develop an Education Center offering classes and increased access to educational resources focused on Italian heritage. Establish an Artisan Art Studio specializing in teaching traditional Italian arts and crafts. Enhance the Genealogy Branch with expanded computer access, specialized courses, and a wider range of research materials. Expand Italian language courses and host cultural celebrations to promote Italian traditions and customs. Create a Demo Kitchen for immersive Italian cooking classes. Cultivate a Vineyard for an annual harvest event, wine-making activities, and grape stomping experiences. Build a state-of-the-art Bocce Pavilion designed to accommodate national tournaments and tours, providing a premier venue for offering a top-tier facility for aficionados of this cherished Italian sport. Organize the Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa to celebrate the contributions of Italian-Americans to the state.

Community Programs

Preserve Iowa’s rich history by welcoming the community to the Butler Mansion for both public and private events. Establish an Education Center offering rental spaces for educators and educational programs. Offer a Banquet Hall and Catering Kitchen for weddings, special events, and conventions. Provide office spaces for rent to small businesses. Curate a Merchant Store showcasing authentic Italian goods. Operate a Café and Coffee Bar serving Italian cuisine made with herbs and vegetables sourced from our garden.

Eco-Friendly Programs

Promote consciousness and adoption of energy-efficient methods. Cut down on energy consumption through the installation of solar panels, automatic faucets, and lighting. Embrace recycling and opt for recyclable products. Implement eco-friendly garden care through composting, rainwater harvesting with barrels, and organic gardening techniques.