CURRENT HOURS: Programs by reservation November-April
Ongoing
This interactive exhibit brings to life the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the women of the Revolution, and key scenes from the battle for U.S. Independence.
March 7
We’re excited to bring the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a 101-year-old American tradition, back to central Iowa! Our regional winner will advance to the National Bee in Washington, D.C.
America’s Eras Day CampMarch 16–20
Journey with us from America’s past to its future through crafts, games, and visits to historic sites. End the week with a 250th birthday party for America. Grades 4 & 5.
March 21
Preschoolers and their adults will read “The Voyageur’s Paddle,” participate in an activity based on the book, and visit a historic site.
March 26
“Hidden Stories of the American Revolution” by Annette Phillips with primary letters and excerpts from period writings.
America at 250: The Legacy of the Declaration of IndependenceMarch 28
A free one-day seminar for teachers presented by Living History Farms in partnership with Teaching American History and Iowa Council for the Social Studies.
Voices of FreedomApril 10
Under guidance from the Smithsonian Transcription Center, learn to transcribe documents from the Smithsonian’s Freedmen’s Bureau collection.
April 18
Preschoolers and their adults will read “Paul Revere’s Ride: Fly on the Wall History,” participate in an activity based on the book, and visit a historic site.
Hoovers in the White HouseApril 23
A free presentation by historian Sarah Fling of the White House Historical Association.
April 25
Celebrate the creativity and heritage skills of Iowa artisans with the inaugural Folk Art Fair at Living History Farms. Watch demonstrations and purchase items made with time-honored methods and materials throughout our 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
Exhibit: Freedom—A History of USMay 12–June 5
This exhibit traces the evolving concept of freedom from the founding era to the election of Barack Obama. Among the highlights are a rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence and a printed draft and the official copy of the U.S. Constitution.
May 16
Preschoolers and their adults will read “John, Paul, George, and Ben,” participate in an activity based on the book, and visit a historic site.
May 21
“Summer of 1787” by David Stewart with excerpts from the Federalist Papers.
May 23
Learn about the Civil War-era origins of the holiday that came to be known as Memorial Day. A ceremony at the New Hope Ceremony honors those who gave “the last full measure” to preserve our Union.
America 250 Day CampJune 1–August 7
Explore the “American Experience” and share your predictions for the future at a Birthday Party for America. Grades 4 & 5.
Exhibit: Becoming the United StatesJune 2–26
Explore individuals, groups, and documents that have contributed to who we are as a country. On loan from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
June 13
Our nation was born with the words “all men are created equal,” but equality was slower to come for many Americans. Today we explore Black heritage in Iowa and the history of voting rights.
Victorian Centennial Garden Party Day CampJune 15–July 17
Learn 19th-century etiquette, handcrafts, cooking, and social routines, then throw a Victorian-style George and Martha Party. Grades 6 & 7.
Barnyard Readers: America’s FlagJune 20
Preschoolers and their adults will read “F Is for Flag” and “Why Are There Stripes on the Flag?,” participate in an activity based on the book, and visit a historic site.
June 29–July 3
Study composers, musicians, and artists spanning over 300 years of history, all while preparing a concert. Grades 6-7-8.
July 4
This year is the semiquincentennial of the United States, but in our 1876 town of Walnut Hill, it’s the centennial! Celebrate the way a small town in Iowa might have done in the 19th century with a parade, games, and of course “America’s pastime.”
July 16
“People’s Guide to the Constitution” by Dave Kluge with the U.S. Constitution.
July 18
Preschoolers and their adults will read about Century Farms, participate in an activity based on the book, and visit a historic site.
August 10–12
It’s not America’s first big birthday. Learn about past celebrations, then celebrate with your own party. Grades 4 & 5.
October 10
The 250th anniversary of the United States as a nation is also a time to honor the original Americans. Today we explore the lives of Iowa’s very first farmers, the Ioway, and other Indigenous Peoples.
November 7
Our annual cross-country race will celebrate America 250 with a tribute to veterans and a patriotic costume contest.
11121 HICKMAN, URBANDALE • 515-278-5286
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Iowa Machine Shed
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