BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Living History Farms - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Living History Farms X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.lhf.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Living History Farms REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250501T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251031T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250326T143706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T175022Z UID:33892-1746090000-1761926400@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—Moving Day! What Would You Pack? DESCRIPTION:It’s decision time: Think about the things you want and need \nMay 1–October 31 • Kemin Cultivation Center Exhibit Hall • Included with General Admission\nToday you might use a moving van or a storage pod for a move to a new home. Pioneers often packed horse-drawn wagons like our prairie schooner. No matter the era\, moving day was and is a time to consider what belongings are important enough to make the trip. In the 1800s\, settlers had to calculate how much food they would need for the journey\, what items they would need to start a homestead\, and much more. This exhibit includes an exercise in packing a wagon and invites you to consider the necessities and luxuries in your own life. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/exhibit-moving-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/moving.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250610T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250614T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250604T194035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T145219Z UID:34614-1749546000-1749916800@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Iowa Museum Week DESCRIPTION:Special activities all week to celebrate!\nJune 10–June 14 • All activities included with General Admission\nTuesday\, June 10—Make a Button\nStop by our table in the Cultivation Center lobby to make a button of your own design celebrating museums and Iowa Museum Week. \nWednesday\, June 11—BOGO\nEvery adult admission today comes with a free child admission! \nThursday\, June 12—Free T-Shirt Drawing\nEnter at the admissions desk. Winner receives their choice of a museum or day camp shirt. \nFriday\, June 13—Sneak Peek at Our New Exhibit\n“The Fourth Grade Project” officially opens next week\, but today you can be among the first guests to view it! More information about the exhibit. \nSaturday\, June 14—Emancipation Day + Pizza + Historic Baseball\nA look at Black Iowa history\, free pizza for lunch\, and a Historic Baseball demonstration. Active Army and Army veterans admitted FREE! More information about the day. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/iowa-museum-week/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/museum-week-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250816T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250816T143000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250226T212427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T164738Z UID:33716-1755349200-1755354600@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Medicine Shows DESCRIPTION:The cure for anything that ails you!\nSaturday\, August 16 • 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. • MidAmerican Energy Foundation Pavilion\nIncluded with General Admission\nThe Walnut Hill Drama Society presents Professor Savage’s Traveling Medicine Show. Actors in period clothing represent a small corps of traveling players performing on behalf of a patent medicine company. They incorporate 19th-century vaudeville skits\, short acts from period plays\, humorous poems and readings\, and songs. Along with the entertainment\, Professor Savage will attempt to convince you of the healing powers of his Swamp Root Elixir herbal tonic in 19th-century hard-selling style. A healthy dose of skepticism is advised! \nEach performance lasts approximately a half-hour; seating and shade is available. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/medicine-shows-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/med-show-event-page-main-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250917T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261231T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250917T195316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T202517Z UID:35260-1758099600-1798732800@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—The Road to Liberty DESCRIPTION:The Men\, Women\, and Moments That Forged the United States\nThrough December 2026\nJohn Edward Smith Gallery (Kemin Cultivation Center)\nIncluded with General Admission\nA unique exhibit of historical portraits that come alive when you scan the QR codes! \nMeet the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the women of the Revolution\, and view key scenes from the battle for U.S. Independence. \nSample—Betsy Ross\n \nCreated by the White House and Prager U \n\n—SUPPORTING SPONSOR—\nThe 801 Group at Morgan Stanley URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/road-to-liberty/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/liberty-for-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251003T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251003T203000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230117T191607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T153421Z UID:25349-1759512600-1759523400@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Farmstasia DESCRIPTION:Celebrating 50 years of Day Camp • Supporting our education programs\n\nFriday\, October 3 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.\nFarmstasia is our annual fundraiser in support of education and outreach programs\, and this year we’ve chosen a camp theme in celebration of 50 years of the Day Camp program at Living History Farms. In addition to raising funds for programs that serve more than 20\,000 students a year\, we will honor our Teacher of the Year. \nCan’t attend? You can still bid on the silent auction starting Monday\, September 29.\nAuction closes at 7:45 p.m. on Friday\, October 3.\n\n—PRESENTING SPONSORS—\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n—TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPONSOR—\n\n—CULTIVATING SPONSORS— URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/farmtasia/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/farmstasia-for-web-page-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T163000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250226T214644Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251018T124319Z UID:33720-1760792400-1760805000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Medicine Shows + Historic Baseball DESCRIPTION:An afternoon of old-fashioned entertainment!\nSaturday\, October 18\nMedicine Shows at the MidAmerican Energy Foundation Pavilion Church of the Land\n1 and 2 p.m. • Included with General Admission\nThe Walnut Hill Drama Society presents Professor Savage’s Traveling Medicine Show. Actors in period clothing represent a small corps of traveling players performing on behalf of a patent medicine company. They incorporate 19th-century vaudeville skits\, short acts from period plays\, humorous poems and readings\, and songs. Along with the entertainment\, Professor Savage will attempt to convince you of the healing powers of his Swamp Root Elixir herbal tonic in 19th-century hard-selling style. A healthy dose of skepticism is advised! Each performance lasts approximately a half-hour; seating and shade is available. \nHistoric Baseball on the Front Lawn • 3:30 p.m. • FREE!\nWatch the origins of “America’s Greatest Pastime” by catching a Walnut Hill Bluestockings game. We play by 1876 rules\, which include: \n\nNo mitts allowed\nThe batter\, or “striker\,” gets to call the pitch\nNo cussin’ or spittin’\n\nPlease bring a lawn chair or blanket. \n\n— ENDORSING SPONSOR / HISTORIC BASEBALL —\nSupport is provided by the Iowa Arts Council\, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/medicine-shows-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/med-show-baseball-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251128T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251231T210000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20211022T164444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T173411Z UID:22868-1764349200-1767214800@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Santa's Rock n Lights DESCRIPTION:  \nDrive-through Christmas light show • November 28–December 31\n“Best holiday lights in greater Des Moines\, as voted by locals!”\n—Catch Des Moines \nOnline ticket purchase required • Limited tickets available each day • Times and prices vary \nFor more information about the light show\, including ticket exchanges\, call 224-757-5425 or email info@santasrocknlights.com. \n\nNote: Santa’s Rock n Lights is not an official Living History Farms event. \nSanta’s Rock n Lights rents our facilities for their seasonal light show. \nFind more information here. \n  URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/santas-rock-n-lights/ LOCATION:Living History Farms\, IA\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/lights-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T163000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250730T185935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T203156Z UID:34966-1772892000-1772901000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Living History Farms Spelling Bee DESCRIPTION:Living History Farms is now a regional partner in the Scripps National Spelling Bee\nSaturday\, March 7 • 2 p.m.\nEmcee: WHO 13 News anchor/reporter Calyn Thompson \nWe’re excited to bring the Scripps National Spelling Bee to a significant portion of Iowa that had been unrepresented.  The regional winner will advance to the National Bee on May 28 and 29\, 2026\, in Washington\, D.C. \nPlease check in at the Kemin Cultivation Center (11121 Hickman) between 1:45 and 2  p.m. We invite you to visit our Exhibit Hall\, which currently includes the interactive “Road to Liberty\,” quilts from our collection\, our historic hearse\, and our bicentennial prairie schooner. A short program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Learning Center next door\, and the bee will start at 2:30 p.m. \nMore information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee \n\n\nThe public is welcome to attend\, but please RSVP: \n\n\n \n \n Yes\, I plan to attend\n Note: Guests of spellers do NOT need to submit this form. \n \n Your first name(Required)Your last name(Required)Number of guests(Required)Your ZIP code(Required)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\n\n—PRESENTING SPONSOR— URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/living-history-farms-spelling-bee/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/event-photo-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260401T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260530T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20260402T153831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T163158Z UID:38937-1775034000-1780156800@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—Hoover on the Road DESCRIPTION:A Hoover Presidential Foundation traveling museum experience\nApril 1–May 30\nCreated to extend the reach of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum\, the exhibit introduces visitors to Herbert Hoover’s life\, leadership\, and humanitarian legacy through engaging storytelling and historical interpretation. The exhibit highlights Hoover’s work as an engineer\, global problem-solver\, and public servant whose influence extended far beyond his presidency. You’ll also learn about Hoover Ball! \nFor kids\, there’s a dress-up corner where you can pose at a presidential podium. We also have great giveaways like sunglasses\, drinking cups\, and hacky sack balls. \nLiving History Farms is the final stop for this traveling exhibit! \nFree through April 29 • Tuesday–Saturday • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. \nIncluded with general admission starting April 30 URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/hoover/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/hoover-event-photo-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T120000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230105T174700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T133735Z UID:25262-1775293200-1775304000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Family Easter DESCRIPTION:It’s Easter in Walnut Hill! Egg hunts and so much more …\nSaturday\, April 4 • 9 a.m.-noon\nAll events but egg hunts and horse-drawn wagon rides will take place indoors\nAdvance: $12 • $11 members • Under 2 free\nAt the door: $13 • $12 members • Under 2 free \nBUY TICKETS \nJoin the 1876 town of Walnut Hill in celebrating Easter with an old-fashioned flair: \n\nEgg hunts for toddlers to 12-year-olds (allergy-free option available) every 20 minutes starting at 9:20 a.m.\nEaster games\, crafts\, and stories\nDemonstrations at historic trade sites\nHorse-drawn wagon rides\nAnd take your picture with the Easter Bunny!\n\nThis event goes on rain or shine! Please arrive by 10 a.m. to experience as much as possible. \nVOLUNTEER \n\n—SUPPORTING SPONSOR—\nWindow Concepts of Iowa \n—IN-KIND SPONSORS—\nIowa Total Care\nIowa Wild\nUrbandale Hy-Vee URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/family-easter/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/easter-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260410T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260410T190000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20260219T145141Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T144304Z UID:38612-1775824200-1775847600@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Voices of Freedom DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT IS FULL\nTranscribing the Freedmen’s Bureau\nAn Acts of Science: Connected Event \nFriday\, April 10 · 12:30–3 p.m. or 4:30–7 p.m.\nRegistration is required and is limited to 15 people per session\nAll ages · Individuals or families · Must be able to read cursive\nYou bring your own laptop · Wifi provided \nHISTORIANS UNCOVER THE PAST through the writings people leave behind. But what happens when we can’t read those writings? Under guidance from staff at the Smithsonian Transcription Center\, you can learn to transcribe documents from the Smithsonian’s Freedmen’s Bureau collection\, making them readable and usable. \nTHE FREEDMEN’S BUREAU was a U.S. agency set up in 1865\, at the end of the Civil War\, to assist in the social and economic transition of nearly 4 million people from slavery to freedom and citizenship. It operated until 1872. \nBONUS PROGRAM: Between the two sessions\, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.\, you can: \n\nSee handwritten documents and historic writing utensils from our collection.\nPractice penmanship on slates\, as you might have done in a one-room schoolhouse in the 1870s.\nThen try your penmanship skills with pen and ink on paper.\nView the interactive Road to Liberty exhibit.\n\nWe are proud to host this program from the Smithsonian Transcription Center with coordination by SciStarter as part of its Citizen Science Month\, a partner of America250! \n\n \n\nABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN TRANSCRIPTION CENTER: We engage the public in making our priceless collections more accessible. We work hand-in-hand with a community of Digital Volunteers called “volunpeers” to transcribe historical documents and collection records to facilitate research and excite learning in audiences everywhere. Participants have the chance to transcribe a diverse array of collection materials drawn from Smithsonian holdings in science\, history\, art\, and culture. Even transcribing one line is a big help! Learn more. \n\nABOUT SCISTARTER AND CITIZEN SCIENCE MONTH: Citizen Science Month is a global celebration every April that invites everyone\, everywhere to participate in real scientific research. Throughout the month\, thousands of citizen projects and hundreds of events make it easy for people everywhere to take part in science together. The shared goal of Citizen Science Month 2026 is to have 2.50 million Acts of Science in one month in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Learn more. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/voices-of-freedom/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ink-pen-and-laptop-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T203000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20260129T185722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T200626Z UID:38320-1776969000-1776976200@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Hoovers in the White House DESCRIPTION:Guest speaker: Historian Sarah Fling of the White House Historical Association\nA “Hoover on the Road” program of the Hoover Presidential Foundation\nThursday\, April 23 • 6:30 p.m.\nLiving History Farms Kemin Cultivation Center • 11121 Hickman • Urbandale \nReception • Presentation • Q&A \nEvent is free\, but RSVPs are requested\nFor more information\, email info@hooverpf.org URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/hoovers/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hoovers-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T150000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20250829T212402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T133013Z UID:35178-1777111200-1777129200@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Folk Art Fair DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the creativity and heritage skills of Iowa artisans\nAPRIL 25 • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.\nADMISSION IS FREE!\nIn recognition of America’s 250th birthday\, we present the inaugural Folk Art Fair at Living History Farms. \nARTISAN LIST  |  MUSICIANS  |  PRESENTERS  |  MUSEUM SITES  |  CLASSES\n \nMore than 50 artisans\nDemonstrating heritage arts and selling handmade items made with time-honored methods and materials throughout our 1876 town of Walnut Hill: \n2 Hearts\, 3 Tiers\n1803 Ohio Farm Baskets\nAmy’s Creations\nAnn HK Books\nBarb’s Garden and Pantry\nBig Creek Home Bakery\nBur Oak Timber Frames\nButtercup Natural Soap and More\nBy Creative Heart\nCigars to Guitars\nClear Creek Orchard Inc.\nComfort Critters\nConvivial Arts\nCookie Craze\nCrafty Creations by Lynn\nCrafty MZ\nCrimson Moon Enchanted Oven\nDesigned by Kanya Marie\nDesigns by Ella M Hall\nDrooly Days\nEmma Fust Art\nGagasheets\nGrand River Fudge Co.\nHand Werk Von Lisa L.\nHeaven’s Hands Crochet\nHippy Dippy Dead & Scavenged Magic Studios\nHuntingWood Works\nI’m Torn\nIowa Wildcraft\nJesus Earthly Jewels\nKatie Payton Creation\nLayerd Designs\nMake It and I Gnome It\nMaverick’s Pens\nMid Iowa Wood Carvers\nMiddle of Somewhere\nMidnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry\nMorning Breads and Spreads\nMyrtle Tyrtle Creation\nNature and Glass\nOak and Ember\nPaula Gray\nThe Pintail Workshop\nProfound Existence Herbs\nPure Bliss Candle Co.\nRMA Pure Infusions\nRobbin’s Threads\nSip La Fresca Refreshers\nStitches by Snapdragon\nVictoria Knits\nVoss Working Gallery\nWatkin Barn Quilts\nWhimsyWool\nWildFlour Artisan \nList of artisans subject to change \nScandinavian music and dancing\nNorwegian Bachelor Farmers—music\, humor\, and storytelling; 10:30–11:15 a.m. and 1:30–2:15 p.m.\, General Store\nFiddler David Swenson—traditional Scandinavian music; 11 a.m.–1 p.m.\, Flynn Barn\nOnion Creek Cloggers—traditional clogging and music; noon–2 p.m.\, Gazebo \nPresentations\nLaurann Gilbertson\, chief curator of the Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum \n• Sacred Symbols: The Folk Art of Norway—Learn about the many symbols that have come down from ancient times and how they were used in Norway in the 19th century; 11 a.m.–noon\, Exhibit Hall \n• All Tradition is Change—Explore and expand your ideas of what is “tradition” and “traditional” while looking at historical objects and pieces made today by artists working “within the tradition”; 1–2 p.m.\, Exhibit Hall \nJim Dietz-Kilen\, Living History Farms board member \n• How Ole & Ella May Tangen Came to Living History Farms—Through the lens of fictitious merchant residents of Walnut Hill\, Jim will look at broader themes in Norwegian immigration to Iowa and offer tips for getting started with Norwegian genealogy; 2–3 p.m.\, Exhibit Hall \nMuseum sites open\nBlacksmith\nPrint Shop\nMillinery\nDrug Store\nBroom Works\nTangen Home—Norwegian baking demonstrations \nFood and drink for sale\nFrom Main Street Bakery & Cafe \nADD A CLASS! Sign up for an introduction to blacksmithing\, broom making\, letterpress printing\, knitting\, or Norwegian baking. Details\nAdvance registration and payment required for classes; class size is limited. \n\n\n—PRESENTING SPONSORS— \n\nIowa Arts Council\, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority\n—HOSTING SPONSOR—\n \n—ENDORSING SPONSOR—\nRenewal by Andersen \n  URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/folk-art-fair/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/event-photo-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20260402T155214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T155556Z UID:38469-1778576400-1779555600@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Freedom Truck DESCRIPTION:Come see the mobile museum traveling the country for America 250\nMay 12–23 • 9 a.m.–5 p.m.\nFREE!\nLearn how 13 colonies declared and won independence from Britain. \nTake a quiz—“Are you a loyalist or a patriot?” \nSign your name to a digital  Declaration of Independence. \nView a wall of 50 American heroes. \nAnd more! \nFreedom Truck Mobile Museums were created in partnership with PragerU and Hillsdale College and made possible by The Institute of Museum and Library Services. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/freedom-truck/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/truck-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260605T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20251208T211705Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T214442Z UID:37455-1778576400-1780675200@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—Freedom: A History of US DESCRIPTION:Our changing ideas from the founders to Obama’s election\nMay 12–June 5\nJohn Edward Smith Gallery (Kemin Cultivation Center)\nIncluded with General Admission\nSince 1776\, when the United States declared independence from Great Britain\, the idea of freedom and our understanding of its implications have changed dramatically. 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\, a printed draft and the official copy of the U.S. Constitution\, Lincoln’s handwritten notes for speeches\, and letters by leading figures such as Frederick Douglass\, Susan B. Anthony\, Martin Luther King Jr.\, and more. \nOn loan from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/exhibit-freedom-a-history-of-us/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gallant-charge-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260523T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230113T200337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T204819Z UID:25285-1779526800-1779552000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Decoration Day + Free Historic Baseball DESCRIPTION:Explore the origins and meaning of Memorial Day!\n\n\nSaturday\, May 23 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nMemorial Day began in 1868 as a day called Decoration Day. More than 600\,000 soldiers had died during the American Civil War\, and their families did not want anyone to forget their sacrifice. On Decoration Day\, these families went to the graveyard with flowers and flags to decorate the graves of their soldiers who had died. \nToday\, we honor all fallen soldiers on Memorial Day\, not just those who died in the Civil War. Families still go to cemeteries to remember family members who are gone. \nYou can see what Decoration Day might have looked like over 100 years ago. \nCeremony to Honor Civil War Dead • New Hope Cemetery • 1 p.m.\n \nPlus FREE Historic Baseball • Baseball Field • 3:30 p.m. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/decoration-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dec-day-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260529T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260529T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230213T164558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T183242Z UID:25756-1780045200-1780070400@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Spring Homeschool Day DESCRIPTION:The perfect opportunity for families to learn together!\nFriday\, May 29 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nDiscounted admission if you buy ahead • Free for members\nYou and your children will have the opportunity to tour the museum’s many historic areas\, participate in hands-on activities\, complete a special activity sheet\, and most of all have fun! We suggest that you plan at least 3–4 hours for your experience. \n You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch\, or to leave the museum and return later in the day. \nSpecial activities at: \n\n\n1700 Ioway Farm\n1850 Pioneer Farm\n1900 Horse-Powered Farm\nFlynn Mansion\nTangen Home\nDrug Store\nPrint Shop\nBroom Works\nBlacksmith\n\n\n  URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/spring-homeschool-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/spring-homeschool.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260602T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260626T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20251208T192706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T204902Z UID:37448-1780390800-1782489600@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—Becoming the United States DESCRIPTION:Colonial America to Reconstruction\nJune 2–26\nJohn Edward Smith Gallery (Kemin Cultivation Center)\nIncluded with General Admission\nIntroduce upper elementary-age students to the beginnings of American history and the skills involved in primary source analysis. Explore individuals\, groups\, and documents that have contributed to who we are as a country\, and encourage students to think critically about the firsthand accounts of this era. \nOn loan from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/exhibit-becoming-the-united-states/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/becoming-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230113T200727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T205034Z UID:25287-1781341200-1781366400@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Emancipation Day + Election Day DESCRIPTION:PLUS … Slice of History and Historic Baseball\n\n\n\nJune 13 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\n\nEMANCIPATION DAY\nIowa entered the Union in 1846 as a free state\, but our history of civil rights is complicated. Use our family workbook to dive into the history of Black Iowans\, from before statehood through the Civil War and landmark civil rights cases\, as you visit our sites. \n\nELECTION DAY\nListen to speeches and vote for a new mayor of Walnut Hill—and learn who could and couldn’t vote in 1876. \n\nSLICE OF HISTORY\nFREE PIZZA while it lasts! Starts at 11:30 a.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Foundation Pavilion. \n\nHISTORIC BASEBALL\nFREE on the Front Lawn starting at 3:30 p.m. Watch our Walnut Hill Bluestocking play by 1876 rules\, and take your own turn at bat! Bring a chair or a blanket. \n  URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/emancipation-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/emanc.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20251208T214239Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T150101Z UID:37459-1781600400-1786464000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—The State of Water DESCRIPTION:Our Most Valuable Resource\nJune 16–August 11\nJohn Edward Smith Gallery (Kemin Cultivation Center)\nIncluded with General Admission\nOnly 0.007 percent of the planet’s water is available to fuel and feed its 8 billion people. Brad Temkin’s photography puts visitors face-to-face with the systems and techniques that deliver our most valuable natural resource. In doing so\, the exhibition encourages us to see water conservation as a process we can all get involved in. \nWater stands as the most important chemical compound used by humans daily\, and polling shows many Americans care deeply about water quality. But despite highly visible water crises—like the high lead levels in Flint\, Michigan\, and scarcity within the Navajo Nation—the quality and safety of drinking water often are taken for granted. It comes out of a faucet or a fountain\, initiated by an easy turn of the knob or push of a button. In truth\, that water has taken a much longer and complicated journey to reach us\, having traveled through a vast network of systems that most of us will never see. \nIn The State of Water: Our Most Valuable Resource\, Guggenheim award-winning photographer Brad Temkin continues his longstanding attention to our relationship with nature—how we appreciate and accommodate it\, and how it accommodates us. Temkin’s pictures celebrate ideas in water and wastewater engineering design\, showing the inventiveness in architecture and infrastructure necessary to meet our needs and to accommodate nature. \nA Program of ExhibitsUSA\, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance\nand The National Endowment for the Arts\n\n—PRESENTING SPONSOR— URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/exhibit-the-state-of-water/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/water-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T123000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230113T201459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T183529Z UID:25342-1782559800-1782563400@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Pioneer Wedding DESCRIPTION:Here comes the bride … but she’s not dressed in white!\n\n\n\n\nSaturday\, June 27\n11:30 a.m. at the 1850 Pioneer Farm\nPlease allow at least a half-hour for the tractor cart ride from the Visitor Center to the farm site \nIncluded with General Admission\nLearn how much a wedding on the frontier differed from ceremonies today. The 1850 Pioneer Farm interpreters will re-create a wedding ceremony\, and afterward you can enjoy music and dancing to celebrate the “newlyweds.” \n  \n  URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/pioneer-wedding/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pioneer-wedding.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260704T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260704T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230113T201957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T170531Z UID:25289-1783155600-1783180800@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Independence Day DESCRIPTION:Celebrate July 4th the old-fashioned way!\nSaturday\, July 4 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nAll activities included with General Admission\nCelebrate a historic Independence Day in the town of Walnut Hill. 1876 marks the first centennial of the United States\, and Living History Farms’ Independence Day activities truly show what this day meant to those in the 19th century—a day of family fun and games. Join us for games\, crafts\, a parade\, and more! \nHistoric Baseball & America’s Potluck\nStarting at 3:30 p.m. • FREE\n \nBring a picnic and a blanket or chair for the most American of pastimes! We play by 1876 rules\, wearing period uniforms. After the game\, try your own turn at bat. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/independence-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Independence-Day-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230117T183040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T183118Z UID:25291-1784970000-1784995200@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Grain Harvest + 'Tractor Wars 2' DESCRIPTION:Our original community event!\nSaturday\, July 25 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nAll activities included with General Admission\nEvery year since 1970\, we’ve invited guests to help us bring in the harvest using methods from centuries past. A key part of the harvest was threshing\, or separating seeds from stalks. \n1850 Pioneer Farm: Try threshing by hand with an old-fashioned flail \n1900 Farm: Watch demonstrations of a gasoline-powered thresher \nWalnut Hill: Tractor display and parade display \nEnd the day with a screening of the Iowa PBS documentary “Tractor Wars 2” and a panel discussion of women in agriculture URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/grain-harvest/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/grain-harvest-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260801T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20260402T160535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T163409Z UID:38947-1785574800-1786464000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Exhibit—American Revolution Experience DESCRIPTION:How were ordinary people affected by the American Revolutionary War?\nAugust 1–11 • Included with General Admission\n\n\n\n\nThis collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution connects modern audiences with the fascinating story of our nation’s origin\, introducing visitors to a cast of historical characters with diverse experiences throughout the conflict and the places they visited on their journey. \nThis innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling\, illustration\, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/american-revolution-experience/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rev-event-photo-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260808T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260808T130000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20240813T150138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T184238Z UID:31794-1786179600-1786194000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Cast Iron Cook-Off DESCRIPTION:Cooks at four sites compete using surprise ingredients!\nSaturday\, August 8\nCooking over an open fire\, hearth\, or wood stove is a challenge … even more so when you have to improvise with surprise ingredients! Cooks at the 1700 Ioway Farm\, the 1850 Pioneer Farm\, the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm\, and the 1876 Tangen Home will learn their three ingredients in the morning\, then prep a dish or a meal for our team of judges. Surprise ingredients will be delivered to their sites; otherwise they may only use what they already have on hand. \nJudges will visit sites in the afternoon to evaluate taste\, presentation\, and historical value. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/cast-iron-cook-off/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cast-iron-cook-off.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230113T195643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T184508Z UID:25283-1787994000-1788019200@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Fido on the Farms + Fun Run DESCRIPTION:We welcome dogs all season\, and this is their special day!\n\n\n\nSaturday\, August 29 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • All activities included with General Admission\nBring your well-behaved pup to visit our farm sites\, walk the trail\, and tour the 1876 town of Walnut Hill. \nFido Fun Run\n9:15 a.m.\nStart the day with a walk or jog around our historic town with your dog! \n \nAdvance registration required for free Fido Fun Run. \nDogs must be on standard non-retractable leashes and must remain outside historic buildings and away from livestock areas. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/fido-farms/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fido-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230213T164857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T184725Z UID:25760-1788512400-1788537600@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Fall Homeschool Day DESCRIPTION:The perfect opportunity for families to learn together!\nFriday\, September 4 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nDiscounted admission if you buy ahead • Free for members\nYou and your children will have the opportunity to tour the museum’s many historic areas\, participate in hands-on activities\, complete a special activity sheet\, and most of all have fun! We suggest that you plan at least 3-4 hours for your experience. \nSpecial activities at: \n\n1700 Ioway Farm\n1850 Pioneer Farm\n1900 Horse-Powered Farm\nSchoolhouse—Spelling bees\nFlynn Mansion\nTangen Home\nBlacksmith\nPrint Shop\nMillinery\nDrug Store\nCultivation Center Exhibit Hall\n\nSchedule subject to change due to weather. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/fall-homeschool-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fall-homeschool.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260926T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260926T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230117T184014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T203458Z UID:25293-1790413200-1790438400@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Applefest DESCRIPTION:Everything’s coming up … apples!\nSaturday\, September 26 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nAll activities included with General Admission • Advance tickets recommended\nJoin us for a day of family fun celebrating apple harvest season! Visit our historic sites to see how past cooks would prepare and serve apple treats\, such as apple butter\, cake or pie\, and cider. Print an apple recipe in the Print Shop\, and purchase apple goodies and tasty treats from local food vendors. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/applefest/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/applefest-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261003T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261003T140000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230117T192156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T184956Z UID:25345-1791032400-1791036000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Victorian Funeral DESCRIPTION:Absent but dear…\nSaturday\, October 3 • 1 p.m. at the Tangen Home\nIncluded with General Admission\nIn 1876\, a funeral was a pageant of honored traditions. Families gathered to find joy in a public celebration of a life well-lived. Join our historic interpreters as they celebrate the life and honor the death of a fictional Walnut Hill resident with a re-created funeral. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/victorian-funeral/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/funeral-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261010T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261010T160000 DTSTAMP:20260429T114207 CREATED:20230117T184954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T205208Z UID:25295-1791622800-1791648000@www.lhf.org SUMMARY:Indigenous Iowans Day DESCRIPTION:Explore the native cultures that have shaped our state\n\n\n\nSaturday\, October 10 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.\nAll activities included with General Admission\nAs we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States as a nation\, we also look back to the very first Americans. Our Ioway Farm represents the Indigenous People who lived in 1700 on the land that would eventually become the state of Iowa. Today we dig deeper into how the Ioway lived\, along with other Indigenous Peoples who have called—and still call—this land home. Enjoy demonstrations\, special activities\, games\, and crafts. URL:https://www.lhf.org/event/indigenous-iowans-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.lhf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Indigenous-Iowans-Day.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR