Event Details Join author Megan Bannister to uncover some of the state's wackiest attractions and guide your next adventure around Iowa. Dive in and discover the state’s unique history and quirky places through the book, Secret Iowa: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Learn about hidden gems and the surprising backstories of places […]

The Fairbank Public Library will host Sarah Uthoff on November 1, 2025 for a Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau program. Uthoff, a librarian, educator, and nationally recognized Laura Ingalls Wilder researcher, presents an engaging overview of Wilder’s life and legacy. Featuring slides from all the historic Wilder sites, this program offers audiences of all ages a chance to connect with the beloved […]

Just Before the Battle Mother—A Visit from a Civil War SoldierMr. 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). […]

Sara Jo Cohen, Editorial Director at University of Michigan Press, will conduct a faculty book proposal workshop, graduate and undergraduate student sessions, one-on-one editorial consultations, and give a public lecture.

Speakers Bureau Event: Michael Vogt – Camp Dodge: Home Away from Home 1917–1918The Adams County Historic Preservation Commission will host historian Michael Vogt for two programs on Thursday, November 6, 2025, exploring the pivotal role of Camp Dodge during World War I. Vogt, curator at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, will share the story […]

The Missouri Valley Public Library will host Civil War historian O.J. Fargo on November 6, 2025 for a first-person presentation that brings history to life. Appearing in full Union Army uniform, Fargo portrays an Iowa soldier returning from the war, sharing vivid stories of battlefield experiences and the challenges of daily life during the conflict. Audience members […]

The Pella Public Library will host educator Helen Lewis on November 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. for a thought-provoking exploration of how Native American women have been portrayed in Western films. Using film clips, Lewis highlights their roles as healers, counselors, and warriors, challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on these classic movies. This […]

Event Details If you've heard of Amelia Bloomer, it's probably for the last thing she wanted as her legacy: bloomers. Join Sara Catterall, author of the new biography Amelia Bloomer: Journalist, Suffragist, and Anti-Fashion Icon, to learn about Bloomer's life and work after her move to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1854. There, Bloomer continued her […]

The Terrace Hill Partnership will host historian and author Darcy Maulsby on November 13, 2025 at 5 p.m. 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 […]

The Malvern Public Library will host historian and broadcaster Jeff Stein on December 8, 2025, for an engaging presentation highlighting Iowa’s remarkable people and achievements. From inventors and entertainers to athletes and civic leaders, Stein shares inspiring stories of both famous and lesser-known Iowans, drawing on his popular Iowa Almanac radio segments. Tailored for local audiences, this program celebrates […]

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 […]