Our Blog

JOIN

Get exclusive access and benefits for the entire year with a membership.

GIVE

Help support our mission in bringing engaging opportunities for all.

ENGAGE

Bring your talents and time to our team through volunteering.

Curated by staff at the Putnam Museum

Our blog features stories about our history, collections, exhibits, recent discoveries, and more! Keep up to date on breaking stories by following us on social media or signing up for our e-newsletter.

scarification and cupping kit used for taming humors

Taming the Humors

August 10, 2023

Throughout human history, cures have existed for varying ailments surrounding blood. These objects present a view into multiple cultures methods of treating ailments and varying cultural practices related to the blood. 

Read More »
Greater Kudu on exhibit at the Putnam Museum, in the Hall of Mammals

The Greater Kudu

July 10, 2023

The Greater Kudu, also known as the Grey Ghost due to its elusive nature, is a large antelope found in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is one of the tallest antelopes, standing up to 1.2 meters at the shoulder, and can weigh up to 315kg. The males have impressive…

Read More »
Mary Louisa Putnam in a historic black and white photo set against the Common Ground exhibit branding.

Mary Louisa Putnam

June 9, 2023

Born in 1832, Mary Louisa Putnam moved to Davenport with her family in 1855. In 1863 they built their home in west Davenport and named it Woodlawn. Mary was a devoted mother who encouraged her children to get an education. Her son Duncan spent most of his time at home due to…

Read More »
Support Your Mummy at the Putnam Museum

The Capital Campaign

A Reimagined Putnam! The Putnam: Reimagined Capital Campaign is a multi-year construction and revitalization project that will touch nearly every area of the museum. The…

The Serapeum and Red Pyramid (Part 2)

The Sakkara Funerary Complex is known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Yet there are many more funerary sites spread across the area – many of them non-human! Included in these sites are catacombs of dogs, cats, baboons…

onnica marquez on camel with pyramids

Egypt Travel Log (Part I)

I remember over a year ago when Onnica Marquez, Archivist and Assistant Professor at St. Ambrose University (and former archivist at the Putnam Museum) sat down to lunch at a local restaurant with me and the two Putnam curators following her first visit to Egypt. She…

scarification and cupping kit used for taming humors

Taming the Humors

Throughout human history, cures have existed for varying ailments surrounding blood. These objects present a view into multiple cultures methods of treating ailments and varying cultural practices related to the blood. 

Explore More

Please Note: The Museum & Science Center will be closed for maintenance, cleaning, and updates January 8 -12.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday (1/13). Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support!

Skip to content