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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Putnam Explorers: Mission to Space
February 7, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Blast Off Into Space! Take an imaginative journey through the solar system, exploring astronaut training, celestial events, and even alien life. This hands-on experience encourages…
Family Discovery Center Grand Opening
February 7, 2026    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A New Space for Our Youngest Explorers! Join us on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1–3 PM at the Putnam Museum and Science Center for…
Special Science Days: Women & Girls in Science
February 11, 2026    
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
STEM Trailblazers Special Science Days: Women & Girls in Science Wednesday, February 11  |   3 pm - 5 pm Member Exclusive Event Celebrate the achievements…
Junior Explorers: Mission to Space
February 14, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Blast Off Into Space! Take an imaginative journey through the solar system, exploring astronaut training, celestial events, and even alien life. This hands-on experience encourages…
February Discovery Dome
February 16, 2026    
11:15 am - 4:15 pm
Learn about space like never before! Enter into an immersive, inflatable planetarium where you can kick back and enjoy 360-degree films that explore topics like…
Violins of Hope Opening Night
February 17, 2026    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Connecting Hearts Through Strings of Memory The Putnam Museum & Science Center is honored to host the opening event of Violins of Hope, an internationally…
History on Tap: German Davenport in Stone and Story
February 19, 2026    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
German Davenport in Stone and Story Every third Thursday, we’ll be serving up fascinating talks on a variety of topics, all while you enjoy a…
Kinder Explorers: Mission to Space
February 21, 2026    
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Blast Off Into Space! Take an imaginative journey through the solar system, exploring astronaut training, celestial events, and even alien life. This hands-on experience encourages…
Time Travelers Ball: Tunes Through Time 2026 Gala
February 21, 2026    
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
A Musical Journey Through the Ages! Join us for an evening that hits all the right notes, as we celebrate the Putnam Collection. Select from…
Pre-K Story Time: Love, Z
February 25, 2026    
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Love, Patterns, and Play Love, Z by Jessie Sima Join us for a heartfelt story time featuring Love, Z, a sweet tale of curiosity and…
Chemistry For Kids: February Workshop
February 28, 2026    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Fruity Batteries Join us for our Chemistry For Kids program, on February 28th at 2pm. Dr. Andy Axup, from St. Ambrose University, will be on…
Putnam Explorers: Chemistry
March 7, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Science in Action! Dive into exciting experiments led by museum educators. Through hands-on activities, kids explore chemical reactions and scientific concepts in a fun, interactive…
Events on February 7, 2026
Putnam Explorers: Mission to Space
February 7, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Family Discovery Center Grand Opening
February 7, 2026  
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Events on February 11, 2026
Special Science Days: Women & Girls in Science
February 11, 2026  
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Events on February 14, 2026
Junior Explorers: Mission to Space
February 14, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on February 16, 2026
February Discovery Dome
February 16, 2026  
11:15 am - 4:15 pm
Events on February 17, 2026
Violins of Hope Opening Night
February 17, 2026  
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Events on February 19, 2026
History on Tap: German Davenport in Stone and Story
February 19, 2026  
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Events on February 21, 2026
Kinder Explorers: Mission to Space
February 21, 2026  
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Time Travelers Ball: Tunes Through Time 2026 Gala
February 21, 2026  
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Events on February 25, 2026
Pre-K Story Time: Love, Z
February 25, 2026  
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Events on February 28, 2026
Chemistry For Kids: February Workshop
February 28, 2026  
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Events on March 7, 2026
Putnam Explorers: Chemistry
March 7, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 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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