Visit the Sioux City Art Center in May-September 2026 to see David Plowden’s Iowa, a traveling exhibit of David Plowden's photography from Humanities Iowa. David Plowden’s Iowa, a series of black and white photographs shot over four decades, takes a sharp and expansive view of Iowa’s rural communities and agricultural landscapes, including barns, grain elevators, […]
Join philosopher Scott Samuelson at the Van Meter Public Library for What Do We Stand For?, a guided reflection and discussion series exploring the ideals behind the founding of the United States and how they resonate today. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this program encourages dialogue about our democracy across perspectives and […]
Join philosopher Scott Samuelson for What Do We Stand For?, a guided reflection and discussion series exploring the ideals behind the founding of the United States and how they resonate today. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this program encourages dialogue about our democracy across perspectives and generations. Free and open to […]
Join philosopher Scott Samuelson for What Do We Stand For?, a guided reflection and discussion series exploring the ideals behind the founding of the United States and how they resonate today. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this program encourages dialogue about our democracy across perspectives and generations. Free and open to […]
Join the Marshalltown Public Library for What Do We Stand For?, a guided reflection and discussion series led by philosopher Scott Samuelson exploring the ideals behind the founding of the United States and how they resonate today. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this program encourages dialogue about our democracy across perspectives and […]
The Malvern Public Library will host historian and author Darcy Maulsby on July 13, 2026, for a fun, interactive exploration of Iowa’s food heritage. From chili-and-cinnamon-roll traditions to Maid-Rites and RAGBRAI feasts, Maulsby shares the stories behind the state’s iconic dishes and culinary customs. Based on her book A Culinary History of Iowa, this program offers fascinating insights […]
The Historical Society of Marshall County will host Helen Lewis on July 14, 2026 for a Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau program. Lewis, an experienced educator and performer, brings Jane Addams to life in full period costume, exploring her work at Hull House and her lifelong dedication to social reform. Through this engaging presentation, audiences will […]
Join the Steamboat Rock Historical Society for a presentation of speaker Tom Milligan’s one-man show Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel. In this 45-minute show, Grant Wood chats with the audience as if talking to an old friend across the backyard fence, or maybe at his home at Five Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids. He tells us about […]
Join the Newton Public Library for a captivating presentation by Iowa-based storyteller, musician, and photographer Jason Walsmith. For more than 30 years, Jason has traveled across North America—touring with his rock band The Nadas, performing solo from Seattle to the Florida Keys, and photographing people and places for brands and publications around the world. His […]
Join the Logan Public Library for the Speakers Bureau presentation Refuge, Torture, & Resistance: The Role of Music During the Holocaust by Dr. Christine Beard. This deeply moving and powerful lecture-recital delves into the extraordinary and often haunting role of music during the Holocaust, examining repertoire banned by the SS Kulturkammer and what type of music was […]
Visit the Winterset Public Library in August to view Humanities Iowa's traveling exhibit Barns of Iowa by Michael Harker. This collection of twenty 11 x 18 inch black and white photos captures the nostalgic beauty of barns as well as the enduring pride of the farmers who built them. Michael Harker began photographing these structures […]
Join the Corning Opera House for a captivating presentation by Iowa-based storyteller, musician, and photographer Jason Walsmith. For more than 30 years, Jason has traveled across North America—touring with his rock band The Nadas, performing solo from Seattle to the Florida Keys, and photographing people and places for brands and publications around the world. His life on […]
Humanities Iowa utilizes funding from sources including the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the Federation of State Humanities Councils or the Mellon Foundation.
