Events & Programs

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Discover the Elements of Lifelong Learning

Our educational programs and special events are here to help you stay engaged and exploring our vast world, all from the comfort of the Quad Cities! 

We offer a variety of programs: from Putnam Camps, to drop-in workshops, even history lectures with a cash bar. Join us at special events, like feature films on Thursday nights or during an afternoon tea! Find your perfect fit within the museum and discover the elements of lifelong learning.

Programs & Events Calendar

Select a date and see what's happening on that day!

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Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour
August 31, 2026    
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Explore Our Civil Rights History The Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour is led by Ryan Saddler, the Director of the Chief Executive Officer of Friends…
Smithsonian Lecture
September 3, 2026    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Making History, Making Change Lecture Thursday, September 3 6pm  |  Putnam GIANT Screen Theater FREE Event Hear stories from "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and…
I AM disABLED
September 10, 2026    
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celebrating Talent Beyond Labels I AM disABLEd  follows nine youth with disabilities as they stage the musical Seussical, stepping into the spotlight and proving their…
Davenport Civil Rights Bicycle Tour
September 12, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Davenport Civil Rights Bicycle Tour is led by Ryan Saddler, the Chief Executive Officer of Friends of MLK. Created in partnership with the Davenport…
I AM disABLED
September 14, 2026    
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Celebrating Talent Beyond Labels I AM disABLEd  follows nine youth with disabilities as they stage the musical Seussical, stepping into the spotlight and proving their…
I AM disABLED
September 16, 2026    
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celebrating Talent Beyond Labels I AM disABLEd  follows nine youth with disabilities as they stage the musical Seussical, stepping into the spotlight and proving their…
History on Tap: Searching for Black Hawk
September 17, 2026    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Searching for Black Hawk: Sorting Fact from Fiction Every third Thursday, we’ll be serving up fascinating talks on a variety of topics, all while you…
Legacy of Land Exhibit Preview
September 18, 2026    
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Be Among the First to Experience Legacy of Land Join us for an exclusive preview of Legacy of Land: Treaties and the Shaping of America,…
Pre-K Story Time: Rosie Revere, Engineer
September 23, 2026    
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Think Like an Engineer Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty Be inspired by creativity and perseverance with Rosie Revere, Engineer. After the story, children and…
Dreamcatcher with Leland Faulkner
September 25, 2026    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Native American Storytelling with Leland Faulkner Friday, September 25 5 PM  | Get Your Tickets Now! Join us for an unforgettable evening with acclaimed Native…
Events on August 31, 2026
Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour
August 31, 2026  
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Events on September 3, 2026
Smithsonian Lecture
September 3, 2026  
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Events on September 10, 2026
I AM disABLED
September 10, 2026  
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Events on September 12, 2026
Davenport Civil Rights Bicycle Tour
September 12, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on September 14, 2026
I AM disABLED
September 14, 2026  
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Events on September 16, 2026
I AM disABLED
September 16, 2026  
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Events on September 17, 2026
History on Tap: Searching for Black Hawk
September 17, 2026  
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Events on September 18, 2026
Legacy of Land Exhibit Preview
September 18, 2026  
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Events on September 23, 2026
Pre-K Story Time: Rosie Revere, Engineer
September 23, 2026  
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Events on September 25, 2026
Dreamcatcher with Leland Faulkner
September 25, 2026  
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Programs in the Museum

History on Tap Lecture Series, featuring two adult women interacting and laughing at an event in the Grand Lobby at the Putnam museum.

History On Tap

Are you tired of the same old lectures in stuffy lecture halls? Do you crave a more engaging and refreshing approach to learning?

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summer winter and spring camps for kids

Putnam Camps

We offer a diverse selection of fun and engaging full day, and half day summer camps for kids from kindergarten through sixth grade.

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Spring Camps at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, IA.

Spring Camps

Give your child the chance to learn, explore, and create this Spring Break!
With camps for Grades 1–3, Grades 4–6, and Pre-K & K, our Spring Camps spark curiosity and inspire discovery. Spring camps are on sale now!

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summer Day Camps at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, IA.

Summer Camps

Make it a summer of discovery at the Putnam! This year’s camp lineup includes full‑day experiences for Grades 4–6, half‑day camps for Grades 1–3, and fun, two‑hour camps for Pre-K & K. Give your child a season of learning, summer camps are on sale now!

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The Putnam Museum will

CLOSE EARLY ON APRIL 18.

We will close early Saturday, April 18 at 3 pm for a private event. Join us Sunday for regular hours.

Please Note: The Museum & Science Center will be closed today due to inclement weather

We plan resume normal hours on Tuesday (3/17). Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support!

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