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  • Play: The Story of Toys

    Now Open!

    From ancient times to today, children have played with toys! Explore the role of toys and play in society through the Putnam-original exhibit, Play: The Story of Toys!



    In this exhibit for all ages, you'll be able to take a look at a variety of toys including those that are educational, creative, and meant for the outdoors. Visitors can explore how gender roles in society were reinforced by children's toys. Visitors will be able to reminisce about favorite toy fads and dangerous toys they may have had growing up as well as view new inclusive and technological toys. 

    The exhibit also features a case all about toys manufactured right here in the Quad Cities! 



    Sponsors:


    This exhibit is supported by a grant from Scott County Regional Authority.

  • Birds and You — Opening Soon!

    Opening February 6, 2021!


    Did you know? The number of birds in the U.S. and Canada has fallen by a staggering 29% since 1970! Each of us can play a role in bird restoration efforts. 

    Birds and You examines the role we all can play in protecting and preserving the birds we see every day in our backyards and fields. Visitors can expect to see a variety of taxidermy mounts, eggs, and nests from the Putnam’s collection while learning about the issues facing birds today and the simple things they can do to help.

    The exhibit includes a variety of birdhouses loaned by community members and will feature activities including identifying birds by their silhouettes and creating your own origami passenger pigeon.

    Birds and You will also be the starting place for a self-guided bird watch at the Putnam. Visitors will learn about various local species in the exhibit and recieve a checklist for a "bird count" in Black Earth Big River which features hundreds of taxidermied animals, including birds, in a natural setting complete with a cave system, woodlands, and river tributary. Putnam partner and President of Quad Cities Audubon Society, Jody Millar, hopes the experience will introduce visitors to birding as a hobby and encourage them to partiicpate in regional Audubon Society bird counts. "A walk through the Black Earth Big River area should be fun," she said. "Many birds have been placed here in a life-like setting. While foks walk through and search for birds, they will have an opporunity to learn more about birds and to sharpen their birding skills."

    Hope you can join us at the Putnam-original, Birds and You! Plan your visit here. 
     
     



  • OMg! Elements of Surprise

    Discover the building blocks that shape YOUR WORLD through this Putnam exhibit experience about the weird and wonderful Periodic Table!
     
    Elements are all around you; they make up EVERYTHING — the air we breathe, the water we drink, the earth we walk on AND YOU!
     
    Celebrate the Year of the Periodic Table and take an eye-opening tour through the Periodic Table of Elements — more than 150 years after its creation!

    In this fascinating, interactive exhibit, you’ll explore how these elements shape your world while you create molecular compounds and set off virtual chemical reactions! From hidden histories to stories your teacher never told you in Chemistry class, you'll discover the periodic table in a new light!

    Take a virtual tour of the OMg! Exhibit

    Visit our YouTube channel to view more OMg! videos. 

    INTERACT WITH US VIRTUALLY 

    Chemistry demonstrations are available! Learn More




    Sponsors:


    Generous support provided by Arconic Foundation and ACS Illinois-Iowa Local Section.
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  • Fossils and Minerals

    The fossil and mineral annexes, located off our main entrance, feature rotating displays from our rock, mineral and gem collections as well as our paleontology collections. 

    Currently featured in the fossil annex is a collection of Mazon Creek fossils from Illinois, including a Tully Monster (the Illinois State fossil), and a number of other strange animals from that site. The Mazon Creek area is world-renowned for its preservation of soft-bodied animals. Iowa's unofficial State fossil, the crinoid, is also currently featured. In aditional to a crinoid slab from Le Grand, Iowa, the display also includes part of one of the earliest donations made to the museum from outside the immediate Quad Cities area, a collection of crinoid stem pieces collected from Burlington, Iowa, that were acquired in January 1868.

    The mineral annex currently features minerals from Iowa--Yes, there's more to Iowa's rocks and minerals than coal and gravel. There is also a selection of some of the birthstone material found in our mineral collection, including a wonderful amethyst specimen from Thunder Bay, Ontario. If you're interested in mineral identification, some of the tools of the trade can be found here as well.   

    You'll also see our sluice interactive in this area. Mine rough is available for purchase in the Museum Store. 




  • River, Prairie & People

    River, Prairie and People takes visitors back in time as they discover what the Quad Cities was like for its earliest inhabitants, and how the Mississippi River helped form the community.

    Experience how the Quad Cities took shape through milestones such as the founding of Davenport by Antoine LeClaire, and how the Civil War brought about the Rock Island Arsenal.

    See many Quad-City artifacts including the famous Davenport Tablets, learn how John Deere got his start and get up close to Bix Beiderbecke’s cornet as you stroll through this exhibit of Quad-City history.


    Sponsors:


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  • Unearthing Ancient Egypt

    Please note: Unearthing Ancient Egypt will be closed Thursday January 14 through March 2021 to allow for a few updates to be made to the gallery and for construction of the new World culture gallery. Thank you for your patience.


    Step into an ancient Egyptian tomb, discover how ancient Egyptians lived and what they required for a pleasant afterlife. Through a collection of breathtaking authentic Egyptian treasures and the magic of CT (Computed Tomography) imagery, explore two mummies − inside and out! Find out how forensic anthropologists reconstruct facial features and take in our amazing collection of authentic Egyptian treasures!

    This iconic gallery is not to be missed!



  • Uwé Warúmi

    Note: Many high touch interactives have been temporarily removed from this exhibit.

    Uwe’ Warumi (pronounced Oo-way Wah roomey – the Trading Place − while enjoyable for all visitors, was especially designed for children ages 4-10 years old. The room’s size, labels and activities were created with children and their caregivers in mind.

    We believe that children are competent, imaginative and inquisitive, and that the learning that occurs in the museum has a positive, lasting and important effect on their cognitive and social development.

    Within the fun of Uwe’ Warumi lies important skills and learning opportunities for young children. Explore Social Studies information through a child’s eye look at EuroAmerican and Native American cultures. Use mathematics to trade the correct furs at the post trade store. Practice large (gross) motor skills on the Native American dance mat or enhance fine motor skills with a game of pick-up sticks. Use the sight word labels to encourage independent reading and engage in pretend play to foster social development.

    Reading, trading and dancing are just some of the activities adults and children can explore together. Encourage your child to explore in his or her own way and follow their lead. The Uwe’ Warumi space is an area where children are encouraged to be the leaders of their own discovery.


    Sponsors:


  • Science Galleries

    Note: The Science Center Galleries are open as follows:
    Weather and Science of Art -- Wed-Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    Space and History of Technology -- Sat 10 a.m - 5 p.m. and Sun noon - 5 p.m.
    Stay tuned for information regarding the reopening of other science galleries.

    An inspiring, hands-on experience for everyone! Playing a laser harp, creating a cloud, and discovering the power of wind probably isn’t your typical day.



    The Putnam Science Center is part of the Museum’s focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and supports national and statewide efforts to increase STEM skills. Using existing museum space, the center features a variety of hands-on stations.




    Visitors of all ages will not only learn concepts and make connections to STEM careers but will have fun together doing it!



    When you visit, you may notice that the Science Galleries look a bit messy. These spaces are in "trial stage", which means signage and label content is still being developed by our educators and shaped by our visitors. After we test various ideas and gather feedback, content will be finalized and printed professionally. Share your thoughts with a staff member in the gallery or at Ticketing during your next visit. 

     

    STEM INITIATIVE CONTRIBUTORS

    The Bechtel Trusts
    John Deere Foundation
    Vision Iowa
    3M
    Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa Davenport Works
    Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
    City of Davenport
    Hubbell-Waterman Foundation
    Modern Woodmen of America
    Cobham Life Support
    Easter Family Fund
    Mr. Reuben Margolin
    Riverboat Development Authority
    Scott County Regional Authority
    Achieve Quad Cities
    Genesis Systems Group
    John H. Harris III Memorial Foundation
    Mr. Frank & Mrs. Ann McCarthy
    McLaughlin Body Company
    Scott County
    Mr. Steve & Mrs. Jane Bahls
    Mr. Mark & Mrs. Rita Bawden
    Duncan & Dianne Cameron Family Foundation
    Doris & Victor Day Foundation
    Moline Foundation
    Royal Neighbors of America
    Mr. Myron & Mrs. Carolyn Scheibe
    Shive-Hattery, Inc.
    Tennant Truck Lines, Inc.
    Mr. Dana & Mrs. Faye Waterman    		 Dr. Ralph H. and Mrs. Marcia A.
    Congdon
    Iowa Space Grant Consortium
    Isle of Capri
    Mid States Transmission Parts
    Miracle Tools America LLC
    Anne McCoy Nagan Fund
    Mr. Chris & Mrs. Mary Rayburn
    Dr. Paul & Mrs. Karen Rohlf
    Mr. Mike & Mrs. Sara Thoms
    Mr. Frank & Mrs. Teresa Clark
    Mr. Ken Croken & Ms. Kathryn
    McKnight
    Mr. Travis & Mrs. Amanda Crowell
    DMW Design
    Ms. Kim Findlay & Mr. Rick Brackey
    Iowa/Illinois Chapter NDIA
    Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Melinda Kruse
    Mr. Leo Schubert & Ms. Susan Sharar
    Mrs. Katherine Sigardson-Poor & Dr. Curtis Poor
    Silver Oaks Communications
    Mr. David & Mrs. Barbara Sloane
    Staak Family Fund
    US Bank
    Anonymous (2)
    Mr.  David & Mrs. Ewelina Bergert
    Mr. Ryan & Mrs. Allison Castle
    Ms. Christine Chandler
    Ms. Linda Cook
    Ms. Drue Curry
    Mr. Mark & Mrs. Mary Davidsaver    		 Ms. Christy A. Doornink
    Mr. Jeff & Mrs. Lori Doroba
    Doroba Dental
    Mr. Ted & Mrs. Lisa Ewing
    Mr. Luke Fernandez
    Mr. Keith & Mrs. Marie Gellerstedt
    Shaun & Victoria Graves
    Mr. Matt & Mrs. Christine Hayes
    Ms. Christina Kastell
    Mr. Brad & Mrs. Lindsey Kennedy
    Ms. Alice H. Loff
    Ms. Kelly MacIntyre
    Mr. Steve & Mrs. Patricia Mapley
    Ms. Janet Masamoto
    Mrs. Barbara Matt
    Ms. Susan Matt
    Mr. Tim & Mrs. Lynn Murphy
    Ms. Nichole Myles
    Mr. David & Mrs. Martha Neal
    Claudia & Randall Neumann
    Diane & Michael Puthoff
    Ms. Susan S. Skora
    Ms. Meia S. Teague
    Ms. Betsy Matt Turner
    Mr. Rian Waterman



     




    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR INDIVIDUAL STEM LEARNING CENTER CAMPAIGN (RAZOO):
    Barbara H Lowe, Wendy Schuldt, Douglas L Rick, Allison Castle, David Bergert, Lindsey M Kennedy, Nixalite of America, Luke Fernandez, Susan Matt, Mark A Davidsaver, Drue K. Curry, Nichole Myles, Barbara Matt, Christy A Doornink, Alice Loff, Patricia Mapley, Stephen Mapley, Matt Hayes, Timothy J Murphy, Susan S. Skora, Christine L Chandler, Theodore B. Ewing, Christina Kastell, Meia S. Teague, Linda Cook, Kelly MacIntyre, Elizabeth Matt Turner, Rian D. Waterman, Jonah Cohen, and anonymous



  • Black Earth | Big River

    Cross over the bridge and let the River guide you through the natural habitats of the Quad Cities area. Explore wetlands, woodlands, prairies and even your own backyard as you wander through the Putnam’s interactive exhibit. See the creatures large and small that roam our area today. Explore a huge oak tree – from the inside out! Listen to the sounds of the marsh and the stories of the people who live on the River. Come face-to-face with LIVE Mississippi River fish and reptiles in our 718-gallon aquarium!

    You'll do this and more when you see the area's natural habitats as you've never seen them before in Black Earth | Big River.


  • Hall of Mammals

    Explore the world of mammals at the Putnam! From the familiar cottontail rabbit in your backyard to the polar bears of the Arctic Circle, mammals – large and small – are everywhere! Travel from an artic glacier to an African waterhole, and check out who's come for a drink. Not only will you see these animals in their natural habitats, you’ll hear them too!

    Where else can you travel from your backyard to the dusty plains of Africa and the ice-covered waters of the Arctic in just a few steps?

    Take a Virtual Tour of our Hall of Mammals exhibit! You van view more on this exhibit by following our YouTube Channel here!


  • Ocean Experience

    Ocean Experience focuses on underwater habitats and is located at the end of Black Earth Big River. View a giant clam shell, observe a real coral reef or try your hand at operating an underwater robotic arm. 


    Sponsors:


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