Year: 2025

Unearthing Ancient Egypt

Posted on

Ancient Treasures are Here

Explore Egypt and ancient life through breathtaking museum artifacts. Learn about their tombs, discover how ancient Egyptians lived, and discover what they required for a pleasant afterlife. Through the magic of Computed Tomography (CT) imagery, you’ll be able to explore two mummies—inside and out! Plus, find out how forensic anthropologists reconstruct facial features.

Alongside sarcophagi are an assortment of artifacts both familiar and strange to modern life. Objects line the walls such as cosmetic jars, jewelry, and writing tools. Mixed in with these common sights are canopic jars, Ushabti figures, and funerary masks. Hands-on interactives include the hieroglyphic alphabet, IDing mummies, and a deity guessing game. 

In this fascinating exhibit, you’ll see some of our amazing collection of authentic Egyptian treasures. Unearthing Ancient Egypt is an iconic exhibit that has been explored and loved by generations of Quad Citians.

Explore Ancient Egypt in a New Way, with Mixed Reality

Explore Unearthing Ancient Egypt Like Never Before. Step into history with our cutting-edge Mixed Reality VR Experience, developed in partnership with Victory XR.

Virtually interact with artifacts, you can pick up, rotate, and examine objects from the exhibit in stunning detail. Dive deeper into the stories behind each item and uncover more than ever before through immersive, hands-on learning.

Saturdays | 2 – 5 pm

$4 for a 20 minute mixed reality experience
Visit ticketing to get your journey started!

Putnam Preview: Investigating Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

Join Putnam staff member Matt in this virtual tour of Unearthing Ancient Egypt. He takes us along to investigate artifacts included in ancient Egyptian burial ceremonies.

Egypt Travel Log

In the Summer of 2024, our curatorial team went to Egypt! Read the Travel Log to follow their experiences from the Sakkara Necropolis to the depths of pyramid’s inner chambers.

Artifacts & Archives Podcast

Posted on

250 Years of American History in the Quad Cities

In honor of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, The Putnam Museum and Science Center and the Davenport Public Library are teaming up to share how the Quad Cities fits into our nation’s history!  

Working through a timeline from our country’s founding to recent history, the podcast will feature artifacts from the Putnam Museum and archives from the Davenport Public Library’s Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. The podcast will use these to illustrate the fascinating and surprising stories of our community within the bigger picture of the nation. 

Join us to hear about some of the most notable artifacts you can see at the Putnam Museum (and some that are protected behind locked doors) that connect Quad Citians to national milestones. Learn about the documents housed at the Davenport Public Library that tell the stories of these events, and the books you can check out to learn more!

Episodes

Launching January 2026. New episodes are released every other month throughout 2026.
Artifacts and Archives podcast episode 1, Putnam Museum & Davenport Public Library podcast

Artifacts & Archives: Episode 1

Thomas Jefferson, the American Mastodon and Nation Building What links one of our nation’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, the fossil finds of a giant beast,…

Listen Now »
January 19, 2026 No Comments

Additional Resources

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center

Views expressed during this podcast belong to the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the Davenport Public Library or the Putnam Museum & Science Center. Hosts attempt to use historically accurate language and racial terminology set forth by the Smithsonian Institute. We are committed to intellectual honesty and scholarly integrity in presenting information and objects described in this podcast. 

The Vault

Posted on

Opening Up Our Past

The Vault is a massive display of one of 6 collections storerooms at the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Where there were once walls, you can now see through floor-to-ceiling glass shelves that come out into the exhibit hall.

Among the shelves are countless pieces of fine China dinner sets, 16th century saddles, a ship wheel, turn-of-the-century furniture, and a full-sized shrine.

You are invited to search through the over 250,000 item collections database using interactive tablets, which can sort by country, date, object, and more. Additionally, you can design your own Digital Exhibit with the objects displayed in The Vault.

The Putnam Magic Mirror

The Putnam Magic Mirror is now on permanent display in the Putnam Vault. See the mysterious item that was “discovered,” after 100 years, hiding in plain sight in the Putnam collection. Learn how it came to be here in the Quad Cities and why it is “magic.”

Learn More About the Vault

Weather Center

Posted on

Make Some Weather!

Step into the Weather Center Gallery and be transported into the fascinating realm of meteorology. From learning about different weather phenomena to understanding the science behind them, our interactive displays offer a captivating educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Experience the thrill of controlling a virtual tornado and witness the power of nature firsthand. Watch stunning visuals of lightning storms, tornadoes, and other weather events, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our planet’s climate.

Whether you’re a weather enthusiast or simply curious about the forces that govern our planet, the interactive weather gallery at the Putnam Museum and Science Center is a must-visit destination.

Teens interacting with the Cloud Maker at the Weather center in the Science Center at the Putnam

The gallery is part of our Science Center. Explore Space, Simple Machines, and the Science of Art through fun, hands-on activities!

Putnam 1867 Society

Posted on

Your Commitment Creates Tomorrow’s Discoveries.

The Putnam 1867 Society is a distinguished circle of individuals and organizations committed to advancing the Putnam Museum & Science Center’s mission of inspiring curiosity, fostering lifelong learning, and enriching our community. By pledging a minimum of $1,000 annually, members provide essential support that fuels innovative programs, educational experiences,
and transformative initiatives.

As a valued member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits and recognition, including invitations to special events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and networking opportunities with fellow advocates for science, history, and culture. Your name will be proudly displayed among a community of philanthropic leaders who share your passion for making a meaningful difference.

Becoming a charter member of the Putnam 1867 Society is more than a gift, it’s a powerful investment in the future of learning and discovery. Your generosity ensures that we can continue delivering impactful programs and resources that inspire generations to explore, imagine, and grow. VISIONARY SUPPORT Your Commitment Creates Tomorrow’s Discoveries.

For more information, please contact Michele Darland, Vice President of Development at mdarland@putnam.org or 563-529-0382

Join the Society

Putnam 1867 Society Giving
YES! I want to advance discovery, learning, and wonder at the Putnam. Please choose a giving level.
Total

Giving Options
Birdies for Charity
Credit Card Information
Credit Card Information
Card Number
Month
Year
CVC
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country

2025-2026 Putnam Annual Campaign

Posted on

You Can Power Discovery, Learning and Connection

Annual Campaign 2025-2026
YES! I want to advance discovery, learning, and wonder at the Putnam. Choose a giving level.
Giving Options
Birdies for Charity
Total

Credit Card Information
Credit Card Information
Card Number
Month
Year
CVC
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country

Quad City Innovators

Posted on

History Meets Inspiration

Innovators, inventors, and trailblazers change the world every day. The Quad Cities area has seen many throughout our history. Did you know that sliced bread was invented here by Otto Rohwedder? Or that the man who broke the Chicago Cubs color line, Gene Baker, was from Davenport, Iowa?

Quad City Innovators, shares the incredible stories of these innovators, inventors, and trailblazers through hands-on interactives and fun learning experiences in our updated Fab Lab! This exhibit will spark hometown pride and inspire future change-makers!

Artifacts in the Quad City Innovators exhibit at the Putnam Museum.

Do YOU Have What it Takes to Innovate?

Find inspiration amongst these inventive, innovative and trail blazing Quad Citizens. World changing ideas can happen anywhere and these people proved it can happen right here in the Quad Cities.

As you learn more about this people, we hope it inspires you to make your own ideas a reality. As you will learn some ideas are small and some are big, but your original ideas can make a lasting impact on our world. You’re never too young or too old to create something impactful. All it takes is a spark of inspiration, to set your mind in motion!

People & Inventions Featured in Quad City Innovators: 

  • Otto Rohwedder, bread slicer
  • J.F. McCullough, Cecil Medd and Henry C. Duke, Dairy Queen and soft serve ice cream
  • Palmer Family, chiropractic
  • Voss Brothers, washing machine
  • John Deere, steel plow
  • Joe Whitty, taco pizza
  • Fred Lundahl, Buddy L toys
  • Fred Boetje, Boetje’s Mustard
  • Nelly Cheboi, CNN Hero of the Year 2022 and founder of TechLit Africa
  • Dr. William West Grant, first successful appendectomy
  • Gene Baker, first African American on the Cubs roster
  • Mary Solbrig, early airplane mechanic
  • Chad Pregracke, environmentalist and 2002 Jefferson Award recipient

And many more!

Thank you to our generous supporters:

Arconic Foundation Hubbell Waterman Foundation logo

Scott County Regional Authority

roy j carver charitable trust

  • Adler-Schermer Foundation
  • Goldstein Family
  • The Bechtel Trusts

Polar Express Pajama Party VIP T-Shirt Orders

Posted on

Your Polar Express VIP T-Shirt

Please note that the form needs to be filled out for each VIP order.

Polar Express VIP T-Shirt Size
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name

Sizes & Quantities

Winter Camps

Posted on

Get Ready For Winter Day Fun!

Looking for something fun, engaging, and educational to keep your kids active during winter break? The Putnam Winter Camps are the perfect solution, offering a dynamic mix of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Whether your child is fascinated by science, history, or art, each camp provides a unique opportunity to explore new topics in a lively and supportive environment—all while making new friends and unforgettable memories.

Led by experienced educators and museum staff, these camps combine exciting learning experiences with plenty of opportunities for discovery and play. From interactive experiments to behind-the-scenes museum adventures, kids will stay mentally active and entertained while school is out. Don’t miss the chance to give your child a winter break filled with inspiration, exploration, and fun!

Imagine Yourself – Field Trip Experience

Posted on

A New Way to Explore the Putnam

As part of the Putnam: Reimagined Capital Campaign, the Putnam Museum is proud to introduce Imagine Yourself, a museum-wide interactive experience designed to enrich the guest experience, including educational field trips to spark student engagement.

During your visit, students will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of professionals such as archaeologists, environmental scientists, and other fascinating careers. As they explore the museum’s diverse galleries, interactive kiosks will guide them through career-themed journeys, featuring engaging videos and connections to the science and stories behind each exhibit.

More than just an exhibit, Imagine Yourself is a powerful educational tool that helps students visualize their future, connect classroom learning to real-world applications, and see themselves as part of the broader world of science, history, and culture.

Whether you’re teaching STEM, social studies, or career exploration, this experience is designed to support your curriculum and inspire your students.

The most effective way to utilize this experience is with small groups—ideally, one career path (or badge) per group of 10 students and one chaperone. When you book your field trip, you’ll be able to indicate how many groups you’ll have and select which career journeys you’d like each group to explore.

Preview the Career Paths

Preview the introduction videos for each of the careers featured in the Imagine Yourself experience.

Archaeologist

Biologist

Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Linguist

Time Traveler

Zoologist