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: Weather
April 4, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Uncover the Science Behind Weather and Climate! Introduces the science of meteorology through experiments and engaging activities. Learn about weather patterns, extreme conditions, and climate…
Junior Explorers: Weather
April 11, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Uncover the Science Behind Weather and Climate! Introduces the science of meteorology through experiments and engaging activities. Learn about weather patterns, extreme conditions, and climate…
The Librarians Q&A
April 11, 2026    
2:00 pm - 3:45 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,…
History On Tap: Reconciling Science and Religion
April 16, 2026    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Every third Thursday, we’ll be serving up fascinating talks on a variety of topics, all while you enjoy a cold brew or your favorite beverage.
Kinder Explorers: Weather
April 18, 2026    
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Uncover the Science Behind Weather and Climate! Introduces the science of meteorology through experiments and engaging activities. Learn about weather patterns, extreme conditions, and climate…
Pre-K Story Time: There Was an Old Astronaut...
April 22, 2026    
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Out of This World! There Was an Old Astronaut Who Swallowed the Moon by Lucille Colandro Blast off into a silly, space-themed story time with…
Member Only Special Science Days: Earth Day
April 22, 2026    
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Planet in Action Special Science Days: Earth Day Wednesday, April 22  |   3 pm - 5 pm Member Exclusive Event Explore the science behind our…
Chemistry For Kids: April Workshop
April 25, 2026    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Stop In and Experiment With an Expert Join us for our Chemistry For Kids program, on April 25th at 2pm. Dr. Andy Axup, from St.…
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…
Events on April 4, 2026
Putnam Explorers: Weather
April 4, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Events on April 11, 2026
Junior Explorers: Weather
April 11, 2026  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Librarians Q&A
April 11, 2026  
2:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Events on April 16, 2026
History On Tap: Reconciling Science and Religion
April 16, 2026  
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Events on April 18, 2026
Kinder Explorers: Weather
April 18, 2026  
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Events on April 22, 2026
Pre-K Story Time: There Was an Old Astronaut...
April 22, 2026  
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Member Only Special Science Days: Earth Day
April 22, 2026  
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Events on April 25, 2026
Chemistry For Kids: April Workshop
April 25, 2026  
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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

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 is

CLOSED FOR FIRST LEGO LEAGUE

We will be closed today, Saturday Dec 13 and Sunday, Dec 14 for a private event. Join us Monday 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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