Des Moines Public Schools marked a bittersweet milestone on October 19, 2026, when administrators, teachers, alumni and community members gathered at Moulton Elementary to commemorate the building’s 112‑year legacy. The ceremony, held on the school’s front lawn, celebrated the historic institution’s contributions to the city’s educational fabric while announcing the site’s next chapter as the future home of Moulton Arts Academy.
During the event, school leaders lifted a cornerstone that had been sealed when the original school opened in 1914. Inside, they discovered a time capsule believed to be roughly the same age as the building itself. The capsule, wrapped in aged newspaper and metal, contained photographs, newspaper clippings and a handwritten note from a former student, offering a tangible glimpse into life in early‑20th‑century Des Moines.
“Finding this capsule connects us directly to the children and families who walked these halls a century ago,” said Dr. Laura Hernandez, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “It reminds us that while the walls may change, the mission of nurturing young minds endures.”
After the unveiling, a short program highlighted the school’s history, featuring a slideshow of archival images and stories shared by alumni. Former teachers recounted the evolution of teaching methods, from slate boards to today’s digital classrooms, underscoring the adaptability that has kept the school relevant through wars, economic shifts and cultural change.
The decision to transition the property to Moulton Arts Academy reflects the district’s broader strategy to expand specialized learning opportunities. The new academy will focus on visual and performing arts, providing students with studio spaces, a theater and partnerships with local arts organizations. District officials emphasized that the academy will retain the historic façade, preserving the building’s architectural character while modernizing the interior for contemporary instruction.
Local residents expressed mixed emotions. Long‑time neighbor Maria Alvarez, whose grandparents attended Moulton Elementary, praised the preservation effort but noted the sentimental loss. “Moulton was where my family gathered for school plays and PTA meetings,” she said. “I’m glad the building stays, even if the name changes.”
City officials, including Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, attended the ceremony and voiced support for the district’s plan. “Our schools are the heart of our neighborhoods,” Cownie remarked. “By repurposing Moulton for the arts, we honor our past while investing in the creative future of our children.”
Construction on the academy is slated to begin later this year, with a projected opening in the fall of 2028. The district has pledged to involve community volunteers in the renovation process, ensuring that the project reflects local input and maintains the building’s historic integrity.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees placed a fresh bouquet of daisies atop the cornerstone, symbolizing continuity and hope. The time capsule will be displayed in the academy’s lobby once the renovation is complete, allowing future students to connect with the school’s storied past.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
