Preserving the Quad City Story
In support of its mission, the Putnam cares for more than 250,000 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.
- View Photos from the Collection
As the primary steward of our region’s treasures, the Putnam collects, researches, exhibits and preserves materials from the Quad Cities region and around the world. The museum maintains diverse permanent collections in History, Anthropology (Archaeology and Ethnology) and the Natural Sciences (Biology, Geology and Paleontology). A substantial Regional Archive of materials documenting local individuals, families, organizations and businesses is also maintained. These collections are an exceptional asset for research, education and exhibition. They are unique among those of the Quad Cities in their capacity to contribute to our visitors’ discovery and exploration of cultures and environments throughout time and across the globe.
We are currently working towards making our collections available online.
Investigate Some of the Museum’s Collections:
All requests for research privileges and appointments must be made in advance.
Research and information requests about the collections may be directed to the following staff members.
FOR NATURAL SCIENCE MATERIAL (PLANTS, ANIMALS, ROCKS AND FOSSILS):
Christine Chandler
Curator of Natural Science
Email: CChandler@putnam.org
563-324-1054 ext. 226
563-336-7287 (direct line)
FOR ARCHAEOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY OR REGIONAL HISTORY ARTIFACTS:
Christina Kastell
Curator of History and Anthropology
Email: CKastell@putnam.org
563-324-1054 ext. 227
563-336-7293 (direct line)
