Everyone Has a Story to Tell, You'll Hear It Here!
You’re living your history every day. It surrounds us and shapes us.
And at The Putnam, you’ll learn new ways to see the world around you by understanding our past and the past lives of other cultures who make our area a unique and rich tapestry.
For years, visitors to The Putnam have marveled at the secrets of Asia and Ancient Egypt, revealed in our exhibits which feature items collected by noted Quad Citian, B.J. Palmer.
More recently-currated exhibits explore and celebrate the diversity of ethnic groups who now call the Quad Cities home. The museum’s Common Ground exhibit will reveal many little-known facts about the Quad Cities that even life-long residents don’t know.
Other exhibits that make up the museum’s new World Culture Gallery invite visitors to Journey to West Africa and to take in an entire World of Color through photography and multi-media storytelling.
There’s an entire world inside our four walls. Come inside and listen to all the stories!
Our History Exhibits
Akwaaba: Journey to West Africa
The diverse cultures of West Africa make an appearance at The Putnam Museum’s newest exhibit in its World Culture Gallery. “Akwaaba” is a welcome addition to the museum’s wide array of science and cultural displays.
Common Ground
Surround yourself with the rich, living history of our diverse community. Just as the stories of its residents change daily, the Common Ground exhibit constantly evolves throughout the year.
Quad City Innovators
Quad City Innovators, our new exhibit, will share the incredible stories of these innovators, inventors, and trailblazers through hands-on interactives and fun learning experiences.
Unearthing Ancient Egypt
Step back into history and discover the mysteries of ancient Egypt in the Putnam’s Unearthing Ancient Egypt exhibit, which features a broad collection of breathtaking Egyptian treasures and two mummies.