During your visit to the Amana Heritage Museum, learn about communal life in the Amana Colonies as you explore the museum’s Noé House, Woodshed and Washhouse, and Schoolhouse set amid spacious grounds.
The Noé House
Start your visit to the Amana Heritage Museum in the Noé House, built of locally produced brick in 1864. Originally a communal kitchen and later a doctor’s residence, the Noé House depicts a church interior and contains exhibits that trace the development and history of Amana as well as displays of the varied crafts and industries of the Inspirationists.
Washhouse and Woodshed
Just south of the Noé House is the original Washhouse and Woodshed. Step inside a building that was once an integral part of communal Amana and delight in the Washhouse and Woodshed’s wine-making and gardening displays.
The Schoolhouse
Built in 1870, the Schoolhouse operated as a school until 1954 after which it served as the Amana Post Office and a Sunday school. Acquired by the Amana Heritage Museum in 1976, the Schoolhouse offers visitors much to explore. Step inside the Schoolhouse and wander through the Christmas Room and a Kinderschule, translated into English as a Children’s School. The Schoolhouse also houses toys, dolls, handwork, carpet, weaving, and a communal Amana school display. In addition a 20-minute, award-winning audio visual presentation in the Schoolhouse auditorium explores Amana’s rich history.
- In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Amana Heritage Museum features temporary exhibits and special programs that focus on particular aspects of Amana’s culture.
- The 20-minute audio visual presentation in the Schoolhouse is shown regularly during museum hours.