Year: 2023

Family Programs at The Putnam

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Learn Together!

Get the whole family together for learning programs and to explore our world through the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Whether you want to sit back and marvel in an immersive planetarium or become certified monarch keepers – we have a program for you!

Chemistry for Kids occurs once a month, on a Saturday, during the school year. A professional chemist will lead an engaging workshop while you preform fun chemistry experiments!

The Discovery Dome is an immersive, inflatable planetarium offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to kick back and embark on a journey through the stars, galaxies, and beyond.

The Fab Lab holds drop-in workshops where families can explore things like technology, physics, and engineering through hands-on learning. From dash-and-drop robots to 3D pens, there’s something for everyone. The Fab Lab is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 5 pm. 

Our documentaries play every day on the GIANT Screen Theater and cover a wide variety of topics. See our showtimes to find your family’s perfect match! 

 

Upcoming Family Programs

Chemistry For Kids: April Workshop
Chemistry For Kids: April Workshop
Apr 25, 2026
02:00 pm
Chemistry For Kids: May Workshop
Chemistry For Kids: May Workshop
May 23, 2026
02:00 pm

Follow us on social media to find the latest news and updates!

Adult Education at The Putnam

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There's Always Something New To Learn!

At the Putnam Museum and Science Center, learning and fun don’t have an age cap. Whether you’re dropping in for a beverage and lecture with History on Tap, or immersing yourself in the magic of the Discovery Dome – we have a program for you!  

History on Tap occurs every third Thursday. From ancient civilizations to modern innovations, our guest speakers will quench your thirst for knowledge with their expertise and passion.

The Discovery Dome is an immersive, inflatable planetarium offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to kick back and embark on a journey through the stars, galaxies, and beyond.

Guild Teas are organized by The Putnam Guild and open to the public. Every month they explore a new topic, which are often tied to the museum’s current or upcoming plans. The Guild works behind the scenes and alongside staff to further our mission. Want to get involved? Learn more here.

Private Tours are designed to give you and your group an unforgettable, behind‑the‑scenes experience. Whether you’re planning a group or family outing, corporate retreat, or a special gathering with friends, our private tours provide a more intimate way to explore our galleries, exhibits, and collections.

Our documentaries play every day on the GIANT Screen Theater and cover a wide variety of topics. See our showtimes to find your perfect match!

Upcoming Programs

Lunch & Learn
Lunch & Learn
Apr 24, 2026
12:00 pm

Internships

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Immediate Openings for Interns: Apply Today! 

The Putnam Museum and Science Center offers unpaid internships to college students who enjoy working with people and are interested in learning more about the many facets of the museum environment. General goals of the internship program include the following:

  • To provide an opportunity for the student to work on meaningful projects under the guidance of an experienced professional.
  • To acquaint the student with the Putnam’s collections, exhibits, and programs.
  • To provide an opportunity for the student to explore a variety of career possibilities.
  • To enable the student to more fully consider career opportunities in the not-for-profit employment sector in areas including education, curation, marketing, finance, and development.
  • To assist Putnam staff with important work relating to the accomplishment of strategic direction goals and objectives.

Internships generally center around projects developed and monitored by Putnam staff. Most internships include some general departmental or clerical work. Assignments are determined by the needs of the departments and the student’s academic background, experience, and interests.

Please note that openings in the desired department may not always be available.

Eligibility

Internships are most readily available for college students and recent graduates with the following backgrounds: biological science, anthropology, geology, history, art history, graphic design, photography, marketing, communications, education, English, business, or museum studies. Other fields of study will be considered. Interns are selected by an application and review process that may include an interview.

Commitment

Internships are usually a semester long (fall, spring, or summer sessions). Interns are expected to spend a minimum of nine hours per week at the Putnam during the interning semester. The specific schedule will be determined by the supervising staff member. Depending on the department, interns may be required to submit a summary report to the Putnam that describes their experience within 30 days of the end of the internship.

Credit 

While the Putnam does not offer paid internships, some students receive college credit for their work. A student wishing to receive course credit for an internship must contact their academic department head for approval. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Putnam at the beginning of an internship if there are any special requirements or documentation required on the part of the Putnam that will enable such course credit.

DEADLINES

Applications for internship at the Putnam Museum and Science Center may be made at any time. Students are advised, however, that the time required to process an application may require up to 30 days.

CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP DEADLINES

April 1: Summer internships

August 15: Fall internships

December 1: Spring internships

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD INTERNSHIP APPLICATION FORM

Superpower Dogs – 3D

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The World Needs Real Heros!

SUPERPOWER DOGS is a made-for-GIANT Screen documentary that demonstrates that our pets are capable of having superpowers. With the help of loving humans who help train their sharp senses, the featured dogs are shown to have the ability to save lives and help those in need.

Join an immersive adventure to experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world’s most remarkable dogs.

As we discover the astonishing science behind their amazing abilities, we’ll never look at our best friends the same way again!

Upcoming Showtimes

  • No events

Space: A New Frontier 3D

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A New Frontier is now: in Space!

Space: The New Frontier. An entire generation came of age with the indescribable awe of landing on the Moon — and the ensuing Golden Age of Space has changed our world forever for the better.  More than 50 years later, what is the next step for humankind?  A second golden age of space has quietly dawned on us, with new hope for humanity as a spacefaring species.

In the quest to make human spaceflight accessible within in a decade, not a century, and ultimately affordable to ordinary citizens, leading innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and daredevils are locked in a race into the unknown.  The voice of Star Trek’s Chris Pine takes us from self-assembling habitats, commercial space stations, launching rockets without fuel to building the Lunar Gateway to deep space, history is in the making as we speak.

See the short documentary in our GIANT Screen Theater.

 

Adults $10 | Youth, Students, Military, and Seniors $9
General Museum Admission Add-ons $5

Tickets can be purchased at the museum.

Upcoming Showtimes

  • No events

    • Did you know? You can rent out our GIANT Screen Theater and Lardner Balcony for a unique party package or an unforgettable business conference! Learn more [here].

    We also offer group rates and field trips for our regular theater documentaries! Learn more [here].

    Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates!

    Hall of Mammals

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    Explore the World of Mammals

    From the familiar cottontail rabbit that you might see in your backyard to the polar bears who roam the Arctic Circle, mammals—large and small—are everywhere! In this exhibit, you’ll travel from an arctic glacier to an African waterhole…and check out who’s come for a drink along the way! Not only will you see these animals in their natural habitats, you’ll hear them, too.

    Visit the Putnam where you’ll travel from your backyard to the dusty plains of Africa to the ice-covered waters of the Arctic, all in just a few steps.

    Take A Virtual Tour

    Join Curator of Natural Science Christine Chandler and take a virtual tour of our Hall of Mammals. Learn more about one animal displayed in this exhibit, the Kodiak Bear, and learning programs including experiments and activities offered by the museum:

    Black Earth | Big River

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    Explore the Black Earth, Big River of our beautiful region.

    Start your visit to the Putnam Museum and Science Center by learning about the natural habitats around the Black Earth, Big River area and how it has changed over time. 

    Let the river guide you through the exhibit as you explore wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and even your own backyard as you wander through the Putnam Museum’s interactive ecology exhibit. See the creatures large and small that roam our area today and explore a huge oak tree from the inside out! You’ll hear the sounds of the marsh and the stories of the people who live on the River. Plus, you’ll come face-to-face with LIVE Mississippi River fish in our 718-gallon aquarium!

    This picture features a collage of images from the exhibit including a girl with red hair and a blue shirt that says “Science Girl” looking through a pair of orange binoculars, a brown, furry bison on display, and an exhibit backdrop that reads “Mississippi Mussels.”

    Learn about Indigenous Practices 

    Throughout the exhibit, you’ll find newly updated information that shares how Indigenous people cared for the land and used innovative agricultural techniques to grow their food.

    Understand how to Care for Our Ecosystem

    Through sections on pollinators, composting, and our own backyard microclimates, you can learn how to care for your own slice of the Black Earth, Big River ecosystem.

    Look Around Closely! 

    On the ground and up in the trees, there are dozens of examples of wildlife specimens from the Putnam’s collection situated throughout this exhibit. How many can you spot?

    Explore the Cave

    Watch the video below as Matt, our creative services director, guides you through a cave experience straight from the exhibit!

    Upgrades to Black Earth I Big River made possible
    with support from:

    clean river advisory council logo
    quad cities community foundation logo

    Learn more about Putnam’s Natural History & Science exhibits [here].

    Follow us on social media to get the latest news and updates!

    Supporters

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    General Supporters

    Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024

    The Putnam’s supporters help to further our mission. We recognize the following entities for their significant operating support. These general contributions help keep Putnam admission affordable for all of our visitors.

    City of Davenport 
    Quad Cities Cultural Trust  
    Putnam Power Circle Members
    Royal E. Rostenbach Foundation
    Roger L. Korndor Trust
    B.J. & Mabel Palmer Memorial Trust
    Iowa Arts Council/Iowa Economic Development Authority
    Birdies for Charity

    Additional Support

    Technology enhancements made possible by a grant from Scott County Regional Authority

    Scott County Regional Authority

    Support for the Putnam’s 2025-2028 strategic planning process made possible with support from the Regional Development Authority.

    Regional Development Authority logo

    Our Mission

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    Our Mission at the Putnam

    The Putnam Museum and Science Center exists to
    preserve, educate and connect people
    to the wonders of science, culture and history.

    There are many ways to help support our mission to preserve, educate, and connect! 

    General operating donations help us with major behind-the-scenes work that keeps the museum open and running for the public and our school groups.

    General Operating Support

    Contributions to the Community Access Fund help to ensure that ALL children have access to the Putnam—regardless of their financial status.

    Community Access Fund

    Memberships support the Putnam’s operations while providing you with special access and perks to the museum, events, store, and special exhibits.

    Become a Member

    John Deere Classic – Birdies for Charity offers additional monetary support when you pledge a donation for your chosen charity.

    Birdies for Charity

    Businesses can help bring unique exhibitions, films, and programs to life while giving their business and employees special benefits.

    Business Sponsorships

    The Putnam Museum Guild is dedicated to supporting the mission through fundraising, volunteering, and promotion.

    Putnam Museum Guild

    The The Putnam 1867 Society is an exclusive community of individuals and organizations who play a pivotal role in advancing our impact by pledging a minimum of $1,000 annually.

    Putnam 1867 Society

    By making a legacy gift, you help ensure the vitality of the Putnam for generations to come.

    Legacy Giving

    Follow us on social media for the latest news and announcements!

    Plan Your Field Trip

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    Create Life-Long Memories with a Study Trip to the Putnam!

    Bring learning to life and give your students exciting experiences in science, history, culture, and more with a study trip to the Putnam. Your Ed-Venture includes the Science Centers 35+ interactive stations that will help your students understand and apply science concepts as they explore the power of electricity, allow their imagination to soar with art and animation, test their engineering and design skills, and much more.

    A group of multi-cultural students, in yellow t-shirts, on a field trip a the Putnam looking at a rhinoceros and zebra in the Hall of Mammals exhibit.

    Students will be immersed in the history, culture, and ecology of the Quad Cities region and will also become world travelers as they visit fragile ecosystems and ancient world cultures. A Putnam program may transport them to Ellis Island as new immigrants or under the sea as part of the ocean’s food web. Of course, no visit to the Putnam is complete without an educational documentary in the Putnam’s GIANT Screen theater.

    Limited program availability June through August.

    For more information about available summer program offerings, email mfranklin@putnam.org or call 563-336-7290. 

    Educator Resource Guide
    Preschool Program Guide
    Teacher/Chaperone Guide
    Imagine Yourself Experience
    Putnam Scavenger Hunt Sheet

    Common Ground Teacher Resource

    In Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories, the past and present come alive as visitors surround themselves with the rich history of the Quad Cities. Make the most of our newly renovated regional history exhibit, with the following activities for educators to use with their classrooms. 

    The activities are recommended for Upper Elementary (4-6) through High School. Each activity has an extension to further engage students. Also included is a list of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) activities that can be used to promote positive identity, belongingness and appreciation of differences with your students.

    Common Ground Teacher Resource

    *The Common Ground Teacher Resource project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant Award: MA-249912-OMS-21). The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

    Tour Common Ground with a Putnam Educator

    Guidelines For Your Group Tour to the Putnam

    REQUESTS must be submitted one week in advance and one teacher per class receives complimentary general admission.

      • All visits are self guided tours.

      • Required ratio of ONE adult per TEN students for museum. Adults in ratio are complimentary. Each additional adult will be charged the group adult rate.

      • Rates are as follows: $6.00 per group youth and $10.00 for adult not in required ratio.

      • When applicable, entrance to a specific exhibit may require an additional charge to all in party.

    PROGRAMS are listed in the Educator Resource Guide. 

    DOCUMENTARY FILMS: Groups of 25 or more can request a Giant Screen Film from current showings or our film library.

    • Rates are as follows: $5.00 per group youth and $8.00 per adult not in required ratio.
    • Requests will be honored based on theater availability. Films times are 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.

    •  
    PRICING PER STUDENT
    Exhibit Admission Only $6.00
    Exhibit Admission and Program $9.50
    Exhibit Admission and Film $11.00
    Exhibit Admission, Program, and Film $14.50
     
    ADDITIONAL ADULT PRICING
    Exhibit Admission Only $10.00
    Exhibit Admission and Film $15.00
    Film Only $8.00 

    Educational Film Library
    ADMISSION CHARGES

      • All payments are due the day of visit. Cash, Check or Credit Card are all accepted.

      • Some exhibits, if applicable, require an additional charge. (Applies also to adults receiving free general admission.)

    CONCESSION orders need to be made TWO days prior with form.

      • This is for all education groups. If no order form is received in advance, groups will not be able to receive concessions. This is to ensure supplies and staff are met appropriately.

    Group General Admission pricing begins at 25 people per group. For more information, email mfranklin@putnam.org or call 563-336-7290.

    Start Your Reservation