DES MOINES – Iowans can explore extreme weather and archaeology aboard a battleship with Superman and a famous mountain climber — all with a bit of history-inspired imagination at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
The weeklong series "Adventures into Iowa's Past" offers new and exciting trips through time with artifacts, superhero crafts and an archaeological adventure, including a visit from Charlie Wittmack, the first Iowan to climb Mount Everest. Plus, visitors can see movies with Iowa connections, including "Twister," "Superman Returns" and a documentary about the USS Iowa battleship.
"We know spring break is a time when families and visitors to Iowa are looking for fun and exciting things to do together," State Historical Society of Iowa Administrator Susan Kloewer said. "This year, we've put together a series of family-friendly programs that appeal to younger visitors while offering visitors of all ages opportunities to explore exhibitions covering a wide range of Iowa history."
Following is the schedule of "Adventure into Iowa's Past" programs and movies offered March 12-16 at the State Historical Museum of Iowa:
Monday, March 12 - Storm Chaser
- Drop in from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Museum Matinee: "Twister" at 1:30 p.m.
- Iowans always say "if you don’t like the weather now, just wait a few minutes." Check out some historic weather-related artifacts from the collection and watch "Twister" (PG 13), which was filmed around Ames, Boone and Rippey.
Tuesday, March 13 - USS Iowa Voyager
- Drop in from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Documentary showing at 1:30 p.m.
- All aboard! Make paper boats and see if they sink or ride the waves like the USS Iowa. Interested in learning more about the battleship? See the ship’s silver on display in "A Service to Silver: Tribute to the USS Iowa" and check out a 45-minute documentary about the ship and its past. Visit the State Capitol to view the ship model as well.
March 14, 2018 - Archaeology Academy
- Drop in from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Dig deep into archaeology with fun hands-on activities. Help put together some cracked clay pots and become a history detective by trying to decipher the clues in a digging site.
March 15, 2018 - Mount Everest Expedition with Charlie Wittmack
- 1:00 p.m.
- Blaze a trail to the State Historical Museum to hear Iowa native Charlie Wittmack speak about training for and climbing up the tallest mountain in the world. Stick around afterward for an informal Q&A and be sure to see the boots he wore for his famous hike, on display in "Iowa History 101."
March 16, 2018 - Super Iowan
- Drop in from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Museum Matinee: "Superman Returns" at 1:30 p.m.
- Two Iowans have put on the famous red cape and played Superman. To celebrate both George Reeves of Woolstock and Brandon Routh of Norwalk, design and create a superhero logo and check out the "Hollywood in the Heartland" exhibition before watching Routh in "Superman Returns" (PG 13).
If you go:
- What: "Adventure into Iowa's Past" - Spring Break 2018
- When: 1:00-3:00 p.m. March 12-16
- Where: State Historical Museum of Iowa, 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is overseen by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its three divisions – the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa - State Office of Media Production and the State Historical Society of Iowa – empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department’s work enables Iowa to be recognized as a state that fosters creativity and serves as a catalyst for innovation where the stories of Iowa are preserved and communicated to connect past, present and future generations.