Museums Iowa
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The Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village
Davenport, Iowa

Historic House

The village is a replica of a typical 19th century pioneer village with St. Ann's Church, a one-room schoolhouse, train depot, telephone office, saloon and much more, preserving the historic character of the 1830s to 1930s.

The Fluxus Indian Museum
Coon Rapids, Iowa

Anthropology, Archaeology, Culture, History, Library, Natural History, Park

The museum represents 12 years of research and work by FLUXUS Midwest. The museum's current collection comprises more than 150 objects, relics and documents. This digital version of the FLUXUS INDIAN MUSEUM is part of the continuing effort to promote knowledge about the Fluxus Indians.

The History Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

History, Historic House, Library

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center is the historical heart of Linn County, Iowa. Permanent exhibits on the growth and development of the county, as well as temporary exhibits that focus on the historical significance of items in the museum's collection, bring history alive for visitors of all ages. The center is also home to an extensive historical archive/library where scholars, students, local government officials and geneologists can conduct research.

The Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum
Oskaloosa, Iowa

Historical Society

Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The property, maintained by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution, now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America. The Nelson home, built in 1853, and the Nelson barn, built in 1856, are the focal point of the museum and are designated National Historic Sites by the U.S. Department of Interior.

The Restored Burlington Northern Depot & WWII Memorial Museum
RED OAK, Iowa

Culture, History, Historical Society, Library, Military, Specialized

The architecture of the Depot is the Richardson Romanesque Style which influenced the first Chicago School of architecture and architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. That Style, named after Henry Hobson Richardson, generally follows Romanesque Revival Style, incorporating 11th century southern French and Spanish Romanesque characteristics, plus Richardson designs, which can be observed on the Depot.

The Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana
Mount Pleasant, Iowa

Culture, History, Specialized

Built and maintained by the Midwest old Settlers and Threshers Association, Inc., the Museum of Repertoire Americana officially opened September 1, 1973, reflecting the long-time dream of repertoire theatre company owners and actors Neil and Caroline Schaffner. The museum is dedicated to the preservation of memorabilia and artifacts of early repertoire theatre. The collection includes numerous painted curtains and scenic pieces; costumes and equipment used by individual performers and technicians; playbills, show cards, advertising sheets, etc.; and an extensive research library of rare scripts, correspondence, tour schedules, production photos and other original source materials.

Trainland USA
Colfax, Iowa

Specialized

Features operating toy trains and displays of Lionel trains and accessories. The exhibit represents three eras of time: frontier, steam and diesel.

The Danish Immigrant Museum
Elkhorn, Iowa

Art, Culture, General, History, Library, Park, Specialized

The Danish Immigrant Museum will tell the story of the Danish immigrants and the Danish-American experience and is organized to collect, preserve, study and interpret their material, culture and traditions.

The Higgins Museum
Okoboji, Iowa

Specialized

Devoted to national banking in the US. National bank notes and memorabilia from Iowa and adjoining states. Research facilities.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum
Burr Oak, Iowa

Park

This 11-room hotel is THE ONLY childhood home of this internationally famous "little House" author that remains on its original site.

The Octagon Center for the Arts
Ames, Iowa

Art

Offers childrens' and adult's art classes, local and national art exhibitions and programs and community events including the annual Art in the Park. The Octagon Shop features art for sale by local and regional artists.

The Science Center of Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa

Science

A hands-on educational science center

Toolesboro Indian Mounds
Wapello, Iowa

History, Specialized

Several burial mounds of the Hopewell Culture, 200 BC to 400 AD. Visitors Center with exhibits.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

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