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!

Oct 2025
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3:30 PM - Drop-In Fab Lab
7:00 PM - The Lost Bus
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12:00 AM - FunBundle Friday
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3:30 PM - Drop-In Fab Lab
7:00 PM - Museum Alive!
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3:30 PM - Drop-In Fab Lab
7:00 PM - The Librarians
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3:30 PM - Drop-In Fab Lab
7:00 PM - Halloweentown
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Drop-In Fab Lab
October 2, 2025    
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Whether you’re a curious mind looking to learn something new or an aspiring inventor looking to bring your ideas to life, we have everything you…
The Lost Bus
October 2, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Be Among the First to Watch The Lost Bus is a gripping, unforgettable story of courage and survival. The film is inspired by the true…
FunBundle Friday
October 3, 2025    
All Day
On FunBundle Friday, you can use discount code OCTFUN to get 25% OFF your FunBundle, or visit us in person to enter to win a…
Putnam Explorers: Mysterious Museum
October 4, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Discover Hidden Treasures! Uncover secrets hidden within the museum through hands-on activities and interactive exploration. Investigate exhibit halls and discover hidden treasures for a thrilling…
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 9, 2025    
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Whether you’re a curious mind eager to explore something new or an aspiring inventor ready to bring bold ideas to life, the Fab Lab is…
Museum Alive!
October 9, 2025    
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
At Night, This Museum Comes Alive... The fantasy that drives sleepovers and fires the imagination of every museum visitor is at the very heart of…
Davenport Civil Rights Bicycle Tour
October 11, 2025    
10:00 am - 1:00 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…
Junior Explorers: Mysterious Museum
October 11, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Discover Hidden Treasures! Uncover secrets hidden within the museum through hands-on activities and interactive exploration. Investigate exhibit halls and discover hidden treasures for a thrilling…
48-Hour Film Challenge Screenings
October 12, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Be Part of the Action After creating a 3-5minute short film in only 48 Hours, teams will be walking down the red carpet to showcase…
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 16, 2025    
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Whether you’re a curious mind eager to explore something new or an aspiring inventor ready to bring bold ideas to life, the Fab Lab is…
History on Tap: History of Burlesque
October 16, 2025    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
History of Burlesque We’re excited to welcome Danielle Colby as our October presenter for History on Tap. Representing the Ecdysiast Arts Museum in Davenport, Danielle…
Among Neighbors
October 16, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
One Witness Can Change History NEW DOCUMENTARY BY AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER YOAV POTASH In a town where history has been silenced, an eyewitness to murder speaks…
Kinder Explorers: Mysterious Museum
October 18, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Discover Hidden Treasures! Uncover secrets hidden within the museum through hands-on activities and interactive exploration. Investigate exhibit halls and discover hidden treasures for a thrilling…
One in a Mill10n
October 20, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Celebrate Ten Years of TWICE (Korean with English Subtitles) In 2015, with the greeting “One in a million, TWICE!”, a new K - pop group…
One in a Mill10n
October 21, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Celebrate Ten Years of TWICE (Korean with English Subtitles) In 2015, with the greeting “One in a million, TWICE!”, a new K - pop group…
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 23, 2025    
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Whether you’re a curious mind eager to explore something new or an aspiring inventor ready to bring bold ideas to life, the Fab Lab is…
The Librarians
October 23, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
A Different Kind of Superhero Movie Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights. As they well know,…
One in a Mill10n
October 25, 2025    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebrate Ten Years of TWICE (Korean with English Subtitles) In 2015, with the greeting “One in a million, TWICE!”, a new K - pop group…
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 30, 2025    
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Whether you’re a curious mind eager to explore something new or an aspiring inventor ready to bring bold ideas to life, the Fab Lab is…
Halloweentown
October 30, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Step Into the Magic of Halloweentown When Marnie discovers she comes from a family of witches, she follows her grandmother to a magical place called…
Putnam Explorers: Robots
November 1, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Hands-On Robotics and Coding! Program Dash and Dot robots to navigate mazes, complete tasks, and even host a dance party. This hands-on experience sparks creativity…
Putnam Pumpkin Launch
November 1, 2025    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Send Your Jack 'O Lantern Soaring! Are you wondering what to do with that adorable Jack 'O Lantern after Halloween? Well, wonder no more! Join…
Events on October 2, 2025
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 2, 2025  
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
The Lost Bus
October 2, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Events on October 3, 2025
FunBundle Friday
October 3, 2025  
All Day
Events on October 4, 2025
Putnam Explorers: Mysterious Museum
October 4, 2025  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on October 9, 2025
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 9, 2025  
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Museum Alive!
October 9, 2025  
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Events on October 11, 2025
Davenport Civil Rights Bicycle Tour
October 11, 2025  
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Junior Explorers: Mysterious Museum
October 11, 2025  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on October 12, 2025
48-Hour Film Challenge Screenings
October 12, 2025  
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Events on October 16, 2025
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 16, 2025  
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
History on Tap: History of Burlesque
October 16, 2025  
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Among Neighbors
October 16, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Events on October 18, 2025
Kinder Explorers: Mysterious Museum
October 18, 2025  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on October 20, 2025
One in a Mill10n
October 20, 2025  
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Events on October 21, 2025
One in a Mill10n
October 21, 2025  
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Events on October 23, 2025
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 23, 2025  
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
The Librarians
October 23, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Events on October 25, 2025
One in a Mill10n
October 25, 2025  
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Events on October 30, 2025
Drop-In Fab Lab
October 30, 2025  
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Halloweentown
October 30, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Events on November 1, 2025
Putnam Explorers: Robots
November 1, 2025  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Putnam Pumpkin Launch
November 1, 2025  
1:00 pm - 4:00 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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Pathways afterschool educational program. Featuring young multi-culturing children creating figurines with crafting materials in the Fab Lab.

Pathways

Pathways is designed to help ESL families enhance their school experience by providing them with the necessary resources and support.

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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 opportunity to learn, grow, and connect during Spring Break. Groups for Grades 1-3 and 4-6. Announced early 2026.

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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!

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