Event Details Andrew Clemens (1857-1894) created sand art in bottles that draw reactions of astonishment and disbelief. Deaf by the age of 6, he had a challenging early childhood. Growing up in a supportive family and community, he persevered. In his youth, he began creating sand art that he sold from his home and local […]
Historian David Connon brings to life the remarkable story of Josiah Bushnell Grinnell—abolitionist, preacher, congressman, and founder of the town that bears his name. In this Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau presentation at the Stanton Public Library, Connon explores Grinnell’s courageous involvement in the Iowa Underground Railroad, where he and fellow townspeople aided at least 37 […]
Join the Des Moines Women's Club on January 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. for a one-man performance by Pete Grady, Unconditional Surrender: A Visit with Ulysses S. Grant. Through storytelling, period music, and historic images, Grady brings to life the Civil War general and 18th President of the United States. This engaging and insightful portrayal explores Grant’s military triumphs, […]
Mr. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia and focuses the first person presentation on an individual Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. After a brief overview of the state’s involvement, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War veteran (played by O. J. Fargo). He will detail the experiences of an Iowan during the […]
The Pella Public Library will host David Connon on January 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. for a Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau program. Connon, an independent researcher and writer, shares practical strategies for uncovering the stories of Civil War ancestors—whether they fought for the Union or the Confederacy. Drawing on his extensive research into Iowans who […]
Join the Toledo Community Theatre Guild for the Speakers Bureau presentation “Response to Coop, the Story of an Amish Conscientious Objector” by Mary Swander. Mary Swander will discuss her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She […]
Join the New Song Episcopal Church for the Speakers Bureau presentation “Response to Coop, the Story of an Amish Conscientious Objector” by Mary Swander. Mary Swander will discuss her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She […]
Join Iowa naturalist, photographer, and writer Larry Stone for an engaging look at the complex history of Iowa’s white-tailed deer. Once wiped out by early settlement, the state’s deer population made a dramatic comeback in the 20th century—so much so that it now sparks debate among farmers, hunters, motorists, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Adapted from […]
Join Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt at the Ruthven Public Library for a hands-on, all-ages Speakers Bureau program that blends art, history, and creativity. This 60-minute session begins with a brief history of butter sculpting and Pratt’s journey from apprentice to artist, shared through photos and storytelling. Participants will then create their own […]
Join Humanities Iowa and CultureALL for an Open Book program at Drake University — an afternoon of storytelling, dialogue, and authentic personal connection. Meet the Books: This free program invites participants to hear, reflect, and engage with these compelling stories — sparking dialogue and connection across experiences and perspectives. This program is part of By […]
Join the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council for the latest event in their Spring 2026 Program Series. Across the United States, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upends small towns and rural communities by staging dramatic raids and rounding up hundreds of people in a single day. These worksite raids fracture families, devastate local economies, and […]
Join the Muscatine Art Center for a special presentation of speaker Tom Milligan's one-man show: Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel. In this 45-minute, one-man 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 […]
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.
