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.
November 20
A special series of our book club explores the beginnings of the United States through historical books and original documents. The first meeting will discuss “1776” by David McCullough and excerpts from Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.”
December 29–31
We invite third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders on a journey through time with crafts, games, and visits to our historic sites. We celebrate the anniversary of Iowa’s statehood on December 28 and end the week with a birthday party for the U.S.A.
January 22
“American Scripture” by Pauline Maier and the Declaration of 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.
March 26
“Hidden Stories of the American Revolution” by Annette Phillips with primary letters and excerpts from period writings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
— THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 PREMIER PARTNERS —
Mary and Dale Andringa
Bayer Crop Science
BRAVO Greater Des Moines
Cole-Belin Education Foundation
Coons Foundation
Corteva Agriscience
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Iowa Machine Shed
John Deere
Kemin Industries
MidAmerican Energy Company
Nelson Foundation
R.W. and Mary Nelson
Prairie Meadows
Todd and Connie Rueter
Charles and Kathy Safris
Stephen Smith
Sukup Manufacturing Co.
City of Urbandale
