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!

Aug 2025
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12:00 AM - FunBundle Friday
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7:00 PM - Wild Rescue
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7:00 PM - Cosmic Dawn
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7:00 PM - Wild Africa 3D
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12:00 AM - FunBundle Friday
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(SOLD OUT) Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour
July 28, 2025    
5:30 pm - 8:30 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…
BIX JAZZ SOCIETY CONCERT
July 31, 2025    
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bix Lives! The Putnam is excited to announce that the Bix Jazz Society will be performing live in the Putnam Grand Lobby. This is a…
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
July 31, 2025    
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The End Begins. Harry Potter is tasked with the dangerous and seemingly impossible task of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Harry must rely on…
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
July 31, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
It All Ends Here As the battle between the forces of good and evil in the wizarding world escalates, Harry Potter draws ever closer to…
FunBundle Friday
August 1, 2025    
All Day
On FunBundle Friday, you can use discount code AUGFUN to get 25% OFF your FunBundle, or visit us in person to enter to win a…
Wild Rescue
August 7, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Heal a heart. No matter the size. Wild Rescue follows the dedicated teams who rescue, and rehabilitate injured wild animals. Through dramatic stories explore the…
Elephants: Giants of the Desert
August 14, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Embark on an unforgettable adventure across Africa’s Namib Desert, where you’ll encounter the planet’s largest land animals like never before. These remarkable desert elephants have…
History on Tap: Iowa’s Rebel Girl
August 21, 2025    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Pearl McGill and the Promise of Inclusive Unionism, 1894-1929 A look at how workers in the freshwater pearl button industry organized unions to improve their…
Jerusalem
August 21, 2025    
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Through breathtaking aerial footage, eye-opening personal stories, and remarkable historical perspective, Jerusalem takes viewers inside the heart of the ancient city in ways never seen before. This…
(SOLD OUT) Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour
August 25, 2025    
5:30 pm - 8:30 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…
Cosmic Dawn
August 28, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Unveiling the Universe Go behind the scenes with the dedicated NASA team and international partners to uncover the untold story of how they created the…
Wild Africa 3D
September 4, 2025    
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Embark on a Spectacular Journey BBC Earth’s WILD AFRICA 3D takes audiences on a spectacular journey across, over, and through the magical realms of the…
FunBundle Friday
September 5, 2025    
All Day
On FunBundle Friday, you can use discount code SEPFUN to get 25% OFF your FunBundle, or visit us in person to enter to win a…
Putnam Explorers: Engineering
September 6, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Explore, Build, and Create! Build simple machines and solve creative challenges. Led by museum educators, these sessions foster curiosity and teamwork in a fun, engaging…
LULAC Fiesta Night
September 6, 2025    
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
A Delight for the Senses! Come join us for an evening of celebration and excitement at the Putnam Museum! LULAC Fiesta Night is a cultural…
Events on July 28, 2025
(SOLD OUT) Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour
July 28, 2025  
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Events on July 31, 2025
BIX JAZZ SOCIETY CONCERT
July 31, 2025  
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
July 31, 2025  
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
July 31, 2025  
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Events on August 1, 2025
FunBundle Friday
August 1, 2025  
All Day
Events on August 7, 2025
Wild Rescue
August 7, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Events on August 14, 2025
Elephants: Giants of the Desert
August 14, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Events on August 21, 2025
History on Tap: Iowa’s Rebel Girl
August 21, 2025  
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Jerusalem
August 21, 2025  
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Events on August 25, 2025
(SOLD OUT) Davenport Civil Rights Trolley Tour
August 25, 2025  
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Events on August 28, 2025
Cosmic Dawn
August 28, 2025  
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Events on September 4, 2025
Wild Africa 3D
September 4, 2025  
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Events on September 5, 2025
FunBundle Friday
September 5, 2025  
All Day
Events on September 6, 2025
Putnam Explorers: Engineering
September 6, 2025  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LULAC Fiesta Night
September 6, 2025  
5:30 pm - 10:00 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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