Join Humanities Iowa for an Open Book program at West Des Moines Public Library — an evening of storytelling, dialogue, and authentic personal connection. Meet the Books: This free program invites participants to hear, reflect, and engage with these compelling stories, fostering dialogue and connection across diverse experiences.
Join the Newton Public Library for Dennis Goldford's presentation, Political Polarization: It's Ugly, and There's No End in Sight, on June 4. Program description: American politics has entered a troubling if not potentially dangerous era that erupted in the 2020 elections, but this era did not begin and will not end with the Trump presidency. […]
Bricker-Price Block will welcome historian Chad Timm on June 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. for a presentation on Iowa’s little-known World War II prisoner of war camps. Chad Timm explores life in the camps at Algona and Clarinda, the labor POWs provided to local farmers, and the complex relationships between prisoners and communities. This program […]
An original full-length play written by Cianon Jones and directed by Josh Turner, Barberman brings to life Alexander Clark, a Muscatine resident and early advocate for equal rights in Iowa. Developed in partnership with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and the Muscatine Art Center, the production features University of Iowa theatre graduate students in a […]
The Iowa Rural Schools Museum of Odebolt will host Pete Grady on June 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. for a one-man performance that brings Civil War General and 18th President Ulysses S. Grant to life. Through storytelling, period music, and historic images, Grady explores Grant’s military victories, presidential leadership, and personal life, offering an informative, […]
An original full-length play written by Cianon Jones and directed by Josh Turner, Barberman brings to life Alexander Clark, a Muscatine resident and early advocate for equal rights in Iowa. Developed in partnership with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and the Muscatine Art Center, the production features University of Iowa theatre graduate students in a […]
An original full-length play written by Cianon Jones and directed by Josh Turner, Barberman brings to life Alexander Clark, a Muscatine resident and early advocate for equal rights in Iowa. Developed in partnership with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and the Muscatine Art Center, the production features University of Iowa theatre graduate students in a […]
An original full-length play written by Cianon Jones and directed by Josh Turner, Barberman brings to life Alexander Clark, a Muscatine resident and early advocate for equal rights in Iowa. Developed in partnership with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and the Muscatine Art Center, the production features University of Iowa theatre graduate students in a […]
The City of Indianola Parks & Recreation will host Barbara Lounsberry on June 15, 2026 at 1 p.m. for a fascinating look at the Iowa roots of one of literature’s most iconic detectives. Nancy Drew’s creator, Mildred Augustine of Ladora, was a trailblazing journalist, pilot, and author whose life was as inspiring as her famous […]
Save Our Depot in Red Oak will welcome historian Chad Timm on June 17, 2026, for a presentation on Iowa’s little-known World War II prisoner of war camps. Chad Timm explores life in the camps at Algona and Clarinda, the labor POWs provided to local farmers, and the complex relationships between prisoners and communities. This program sheds […]
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 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 […]
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.
