Museum HistoryFor centuries, people have been drawn to the Mississippi River and the surrounding prairies—to hunt, trade, farm, manufacture, and to live. Founded in 1867, the Putnam is one of the first museums established west of the Mississippi. Home to over 170,000 artifacts and specimens, the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science offers permanent and changing exhibits, dynamic public programs, Iowa's only 3D IMAX Theatre, plus our exclusive Heritage Theater® and live interpretations—all in a beautiful 115,000 square foot facility—the largest museum in the Quad Cities of eastern Iowa and western Illinois!The Putnam Museum is named for Charles Edward Putnam, his wife Mary Louisa Duncan Putnam and their children. Charles Putnam was a lawyer who came to Davenport in 1854. He was originally from Saratoga Springs, New York. He is descended from John Putnam who emigrated from England in 1634. The family lived in and around Salem, Mass., until Charles' grandfather moved to Saratoga Springs, probably about the time of the Revolution.
Mission Statement
The Putnam Museum inspires ideas, dialogue and interaction
among people of all ages through entertaining experiences
that connect them to history, cultures, nature and the environment, by preserving collections and presenting educational programs, IMAX films and exhibits.
Vision Statement
The Putnam Museum is a vibrant destination alive with distinctive multi-sensory experiences where all generations explore and learn. We inspire spirited dialogue and action by:
acquainting people with the uniqueness of our region
fostering appreciation for our connections to world cultures
immersing visitors in the wonders of the natural world that surrounds and unites us
The Collections
In support of its mission, the Putnam cares for over 170,000 objects, specimens and archival materials which tell the story of the Quad Cities natural and human history. The collection is organized into the following broad categories:
Natural Science: geology, paleontology, and biology.
Regional History: social, political, cultural and economic history
Anthropology: archaeology and ethnography
Archives: regional archival and photographic materials and institutional archives. Click here to learn more! |
Want to learn more about the museum and it's history? Follow the links below to download PDF fact sheets!
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