The State Historical Society of Iowa provides a variety of programs for children, families and school groups.
Goldie's Kids Club
Goldie the Goldfinch, Iowa’s official state bird, invites young historians (aged 12 and under) and their families to explore Iowa’s remarkable history through a variety of unique programs and activities at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, the State Historic Sites and online. Club membership is free and entitles members to exclusive access to museum programs and events.
Votes for Women Digital Education Package
To celebrate the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment's passage, the State Historical Museum of Iowa has developed this digital education package to teach the history of women’s suffrage in Iowa and the United States.
Junior Curator Day Camp
In this summer program, students entering grades 4-6 learn what it takes to create an exhibit and run a museum. They explore the roles of curators, conservators and exhibit designers by examining artifacts at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Participants also design and arrange their own themed exhibit featuring objects from the museum’s collection.
National History Day
Each year, hundreds of middle and high school students across Iowa participate in this national program that encourages students to research historical topics and explain their discoveries through papers, exhibits, websites, performances and documentaries.
Student & Youth Field Trips
Generations of Iowa students have visited the State Historical Museum of Iowa and the nearby State Capitol to learn about Iowa history. The museum continues to welcome student and youth groups, although we encourage groups of 10 or more to register in advance. In addition to in-person visits, there are also new ways to virtually explore the museum online.
Young Writers' Workshop
In this week-long summer program for students entering grades 7-12, participants work with a prominent author to develop their own writing skills in a creative environment. They engage in writing exercises, exchange feedback with their peers, and explore the State Historical of Iowa’s exhibits and storage vault to find inspiration for an original work of historical fiction based on an artifact of their choice.
