Accolades

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has awarded museum accreditation to Living History Farms. Through a rigorous process of self-assessment and review by their peers, Living History Farms has demonstrated it meets museum standards and best practices. AAM’s review also affirmed Living History Farms as an educational entity that is also an appropriate steward of the collections and resources we hold in the public trust.

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only 3 percent or 1,069 are currently accredited. As the ultimate mark of distinction in the museum field, accreditation signifies excellence and credibility to the entire museum community, to governments and outside agencies, and to the museum-going public.

Living History Farms Day Camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association, the only nationwide organization that accredits all types of organized camps.

2018 – 25 Best Things to Do in Iowa, VacationIdea – Dream Vacation Magazine

2017 – Top Things to Do in Des Moines, Midwest Living

2016 – FlipKey.com, a TripAdvisor company, has featured Living History Farms as one of the “Top Historical Spots Worth Traveling For.”

2015 – Living History Farms was featured on the BLT, a lifestyle & travel blog, in ‘Discover Iowa: 50 Things You Need to Experience in the Hawkeye State’

2015 – William J. Peterson/Edgar R. Harlan award presented by the State Historical Society of Iowa for significant long-term contribution to Iowa History

2015 – “Bravo” award by Trip Advisor

2014 – Midwest Living’s Best of the Midwest Magazine named Living History Farms the “#1 Great Place in Des Moines to Take the Kids!”

2014 – Let’s Move! Museum national designation

2014 – People’s Choice finalist for “Site of the Year” by Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area

2013 – Golden Silo Award presented by Silos and Smokestacks for Outstanding Interpretation

2013 – Award of Merit presented by the American Association of State and Local History for Flynn Mansion Preservation

2013 – Best Places in Iowa List presented by bringfido.com and Ruff Guide to the U.S.

2012 – DSM Top List – Best Family Attraction

2011 – Web Marketing Association for outstanding achievement in website development

2011 – Outstanding Interactive Marketing Initiative presented by the Iowa Tourism Office

2010 – Certificate of Appreciation presented by 734th Agribusiness Deployment Team of the Iowa National Guard

2003 – AASLH Certificate of Merit for “Get Your Grip on History” program

2001 – Iowa Tourism Attraction of the Year by the Iowa Tourism Division and the Iowa Travel Federation

1997 – AASLH Certificate of Merit for research, design, and construction of the Tangen Home

1996 – Dr. G. Terry Sharrer of the Smithsonian Institute praised Living History Farms as, “the best agricultural museum anywhere”

1983 – The National Federation of State Humanities Councils named the 1700 Ioway Farm as one of the most outstanding humanities projects in the nation