Students participating in a History Mystery program at the State Historical Museum.

    Workshops and Day Camps

    Young historians can learn about Iowa history with unique educational experiences only available at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Using the museum and exhibits as a unique classroom, participants in these programs will explore the museum and the history of Iowa while examining historical artifacts, diving into historical research and learning special skills. 

    To keep up-to-date on future workshops, camps and activities, become a Goldie's Kids Club member  to receive a monthly museum newsletter.  

    Photo by Brittany Brooke Crow
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    Family Day Camps

    Goldie's Family Day Camp

    Looking for a fun way to learn about Iowa history with the whole family? Save your spot in the next Goldie's Family Day Camp. Young historians, ages 6-10 years old, alongside their adults will explore the museum vault and exhibits, listen to a short story and create a hands-on craft while learning about Iowa's past. The shorter program format is a great way to introduce history to younger historians.

    Program Date Time Cost Theme
    March 15, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $5 per person Artwork and Portraits

    Registration is now open. One adult is required for every three children and adults must participate throughout the duration of the entire program.

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    Youth Day Camps

    Junior Curator Day Camp 

    What does it take to create and run a museum? Young historians (entering 4th through 6th grade) will explore the roles of curators, conservators and exhibit designers with the unique experience offered through the Junior Curator Day Camp. Students will investigate historic artifacts, explore the museum's collection vault and learn about Iowa's exciting history with museum staff. Students also will design and arrange their own themed exhibit featuring objects from the State Historical Museum's collection.

    Program Date Time Cost
    June 28, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $50

    Innovative Iowans Day Camp

    Based on the museum's Innovative Iowans program, this day camp allows young historians (entering 4th through 6th grade) to learn about historically significant Iowans and important past events through interactive hands-on activities. Become a history detective and investigate Iowa's past through engaging activities connected to STEAM education - science, technology, engineering, art, and math - while at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.

    Program Date Time Cost
    July 12, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $50
    Students at work during Young Writers' Workshop in June 2019.
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    Student Workshops

    Young Writers' Workshop

    Register to save a spot in the Young Writers' Workshop program which returns June 12-16, 2023. The Young Writers' Workshop is a week-long workshop for middle and high school students (entering 7th to 12th grades) held at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Students will work with the nationally-known young adult author, Stephanie Hemphill, to hone and refine their writing skills in a creative environment.

    Throughout the week, students will participate in icebreaker activities, explore the museum's collection vault and exhibits, engage in daily writing exercises, learn historical research and inclusive storytelling tips, verbally share writing, give and receive feedback, as well as write, edit, rewrite and present their final historical fiction story. The week is capped off by the students giving a public performance of the stories and celebrating during a reception with family and friends at the museum.

    Program Date Time Cost
    June 12-16, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $150

    Past Program Materials

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