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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Smithsonian Lecture
April 30, 2026    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Between Hope and History: Curating America at 250 with Dr. Abeer Saha As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian Institution’s flagship exhibition, "American…
Putnam Explorers: Nature
May 2, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Explore the Wild Side of Science! Discover the beauty of the outdoors through hands-on exploration of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Through guided activities, develop environmental…
Junior Explorers: Nature
May 2, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Explore the Wild Side of Science! Discover the beauty of the outdoors through hands-on exploration of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Through guided activities, develop environmental…
Member Only Special Science Days: Star Wars Day
May 4, 2026    
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Science Awakens Special Science Days: Star Wars Day Monday, May  4  |   3 pm - 5 pm Member Exclusive Event May the fourth be with…
Putnam Palooza '26
May 9, 2026    
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Putnam's Community Block Party 2026! Plan to join us for our second annual Putnam Palooza, presented by Arconic! Putnam Palooza '26 will be filled with…
Kinder Explorers: Nature
May 16, 2026    
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Explore the Wild Side of Science! Discover the beauty of the outdoors through hands-on exploration of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Through guided activities, develop environmental…
Chemistry For Kids: May Workshop
May 23, 2026    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Stop In and Experiment With an Expert Join us for our Chemistry For Kids program, on May 23rd at 2pm. Dr. Andy Axup, from St.…
Pre-K Story Time: Diary of a Worm
May 27, 2026    
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Wiggly, Wonderful Worms Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin Dive underground with Diary of a Worm, a funny and relatable favorite. After the story,…
Putnam Museum Guild Mystery Trip
June 5, 2026    
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Mystery Awaits! Join the Putnam Museum Guild for an exciting full-day Mystery Trip filled with discovery, great company, and delightful surprises! The day begins with…
Events on April 30, 2026
Smithsonian Lecture
April 30, 2026  
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Events on May 2, 2026
Putnam Explorers: Nature
May 2, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Junior Explorers: Nature
May 2, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on May 4, 2026
Member Only Special Science Days: Star Wars Day
May 4, 2026  
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Events on May 9, 2026
Putnam Palooza '26
May 9, 2026  
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Events on May 16, 2026
Kinder Explorers: Nature
May 16, 2026  
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Events on May 23, 2026
Chemistry For Kids: May Workshop
May 23, 2026  
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Events on May 27, 2026
Pre-K Story Time: Diary of a Worm
May 27, 2026  
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Events on June 5, 2026
Putnam Museum Guild Mystery Trip
June 5, 2026  
7:00 am - 8:00 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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