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 with Goldie's Kids Club.
Club membership is free and entitles members to exclusive access to museum programs and events.
History Mystery Program
Join museum staff for a live version of the popular Goldie's Kids Club's "History Mystery" program. The digital format brings the museum and thousands of objects from Iowa history into any home.
This virtual program provides participants unique access to artifacts and historic images from the State Historical Museum to determine how they were used and who might have used them. Help your young historian become a history super sleuth!
Workshops & Day Camps
Young historians can learn about Iowa history with unique workshops and day camps 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. Please continue to check back as new program dates are released throughout the year.
National History Day
Each year, hundreds of middle and high school students across Iowa participate in National History Day, a 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.
At-Home Expeditions
Explore the state's history together through curated collections of educational materials and activities to bring history alive from the comfort of your own home! With the At-Home collections, historians of all ages can learn more about State Historic Sites, National Historic Landmarks and Iowa history topics through Innovative Iowans activities, crosswords, coloring sheets and more!