Meetings usually consist of a social hour, dinner, and program. Anyone may attend the program free of charge, but regular attenders are requested to pay membership dues to defray costs. Most events are held at The Iowa Machine Shed Restaurant, 11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa. The restaurant is near the intersection of I-80/35 and Hickman Road and offers free parking. The meeting room is to the left of the front desk after entering the front door. Here is a typical evening schedule:
5:30 p.m. — Cash Bar Opens
6:30 p.m. — Dinner by Reservation
7:15 p.m. — Program Begins
8:00 p.m. — Closing
Next Meeting and Dinner Reservation Info — Click here
Program Chairperson – Marv Wilson — Interested in speaking to our Roundtable? Please Email: dsmcivilwar@gmail.com
Past Programs — Click here
Other Non-Dinner Programs – Other Local Programs
Fall Campaign – 2026
| Date | Speaker / Affiliation | Program Title |
|---|---|---|
| November 4 | Daniel Smith (Kansas City/KC-CWRT) | Battle of Westport: Largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. |
Spring Campaign – 2027
| Date | Speaker / Affiliation | Program Title |
|---|---|---|
| January 20 | Dr. Scott Anderson (University of Northern Iowa) | "A Tale of Two Orders: Wallace and Grant at Shiloh" |
| February 17 | Kevin Mason (Notes on Iowa) | 1st United States Dragoons expedition of 1835 during the Civil War |
| March 17 | Jim Strickler (Author) | Let Us Die to Make Men Free: American Slavery and Civil War in Global Perspective |
| April 21 | Jeff Bremer (Iowa State University) | Des Moines' Strong Support for the Civil War |
| May 19 | Kellie Gormly (Author) | Cease Fire! Life and Death at the Swope Manor |
| June 16 | Marty Boller (Our Iowa Heritage) | TBD |
Fall Campaign – 2027
| Date | Speaker / Affiliation | Program Title |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 | — | TBD |
| October 6 | Jim Rasmussen (Des Moines Civil War Roundtable) | United States Military Railroad |
| November 3 | — | TBD |