Putnam Trustee Janet Masamoto says the grant will allow the museum to update its local history exhibits, work with other organizations to collect artifacts and stories from local residents, set up local history kiosks around the area, and support youth activities.
"We are so proud of this work and proud to be representing our region at the national level to showcase the innovation, collaboration, and heart of our beautiful community."
Gaye Burnett, Co-Founder and President of the Azubuike African American Council for the Arts, says the council will make sure stories from the African American community are included.
"In the Quad Cities, we feel as African Americans that a lot of our history has been neglected and ignored. And when people pay attention to it oftentimes they don't include us or ask us about the stories that we have lived."
The regional history exhibit, River, Prairie, and People first opened in the early 1980's. And Putnam Trustee Kerry Smith says the grant will help pay for a significant update.
"Now it's time to bring that work to life in this permanent gallery and to continue our commitment to preserving and presenting our community's history and legacy across all audiences and generations. This is the story of us."
Local residents can contact the Putnam with suggestions, and their stories, about what they think should be included in the updated local history exhibit. Museum staff will also hold community meetings at local libraries in the coming weeks to gather material.
https://www.loc8nearme.com/iowa/davenport/putnam-museum-and-science-center/6360814/
