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, […]

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 […]

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 Slater Public Library will welcome historian Darcy Maulsby on September 4, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. for a captivating look at the Iowans aboard the Titanic. From orphan train riders to wealthy businessmen, Maulsby shares the stories of first-, second-, and third-class passengers with Iowa ties, exploring who survived and the enduring human drama of […]

The Bondurant Community Library will host Jeff Stein on September 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. for a Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau program. Stein—an award-winning broadcaster, historian, and author—shares fascinating stories of Iowans whose ideas, talents, and determination left a lasting mark. From the invention of the Eskimo Pie and the electric razor to nationally acclaimed […]

Join the People Active for Library Services (PALS) at the Stuart 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 […]

How did Iowans learn what was happening on distant battlefields—and how did local broadcasters shape the way we understood war? In this captivating Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau program, historian and broadcaster Jeff Stein shares stories and rare audio from his award-winning documentary From the Battlefront to the Homefront: Iowa Broadcasters Go to War. Spanning World […]

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa Interiors, the debut short story collection by acclaimed Iowa author Ruth Suckow. Hosted at the Hearst Center for the Arts, this special afternoon event brings together scholars, writers, and artists from across the state to explore Suckow’s enduring legacy and her vivid portrayals of Iowa life. The program will […]

Join the Sanford Museum Association on October 11, 2026, for this presentation by Tom Milligan, offering a peek into J.N. "Ding" Darling's life. In this 45-minute presentation, Jay N. “Ding” Darling visits with the audience, as an old friend, in his 11th office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City […]

Join Sarah Pratt, official butter sculptor for the Iowa State Fair, on October 16 for a fun and interactive workshop celebrating Iowa’s beloved butter art tradition. The session begins with a brief history of butter sculpting, the butter cow's significance in the Iowa State Fair, and Pratt’s journey from apprentice to artist. Then, participants will […]