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 Des Moines Women's Club on August 5th For "Understanding the Declaration of Independence," presented by Dr. Dennis Goldford. In this presentation, Dr. Goldford examines this founding document in American history and its significance as more than just a statement to the British that “We’re outta here.” Examining the Declaration as a beautifully structured […]

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 Council Bluffs Public Library on September 1 for the presentation "To "Educate" American Indians: An Early 20th Century History" by Larry Skogen. Larry Skogen has published the two-volume set To Educate American Indians: Selected Writings from the National Educational Association’s Department of Indian Education, 1900-1904 and 1905-1909. With these books he tells the history of this […]

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 […]

Join the Burlington 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 […]

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 […]

Back by popular demand! Audiences have enjoyed Darcy Maulsby’s original Speakers Bureau program “Iowa’s Lost History on the Titanic” so much they they’ve been asking for more stories. Come aboard to learn about the Iowa-born newspaper reporter on board the rescue ship Carpathia who broke the story of the century; an ice cutter from Burlington […]