Historic Newspaper Reading
2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-04 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Bart Howard Lounge, 501 N 4th Street, Burlington, IA, 52601, United States
Dive into the past while connecting it to the present. Join us as we explore historic newspapers and uncover fascinating themes and events from Des Moines County’s rich heritage.
Whether you are a newspaper enthusiast, a budding researcher, or simply curious about local history, this club welcomes you!

History Club
2026-01-14 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-21 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-28 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Bart Howard Lounge, 501 N 4th Street, Burlington, IA, 52601, United States
The History Club meets every Wednesday from in the Bart Howard Lounge.
We have a great time exploring Des Moines County history, learning new information and recalling old memories.

Historic Newspaper Reading
2026-01-28 10:00 - 11:00

Snake Alley Days
2026-05-30 10:00 - 16:00
We had a wonderful 2026 event!
Check back to see what is in store for 2027!
Enjoy a fun-filled day with the Des Moines County Heritage Center with exciting activities to celebrate our shared history!

What’s on the agenda!

Time
Event
Location

All Day
Black Hawk Rock Exhibit Showcase
Heritage Center

All Day
Historic Automobile
Garrett-Phelps Grounds

All Day
Historic Dress Promenade
Heritage Center & Garrett-Phelps House

10:00–10:20 AM
Opening Keynote: Welcome & Importance of Des Moines County History
Heritage Center – Grand Gallery

10:20–10:30 AM
Ragtime Piano Performance
Heritage Center

10:30 AM–12:00 PM
The Stacks: The Room that Standardized Library Furnishings
Heritage Center – Stack Room

10:30 AM–12:00 PM
History of Starr’s Cave
Heritage Center – Bart Howard Lounge

12:00–1:00 PM
Burlington Healers (1868-1965)
Heritage Center – Bart Howard Lounge

1:00–1:30 PM
Special Unveiling & Presentation
Heritage Center

1:30–3:00 PM
Backyard Archaeology
Garrett-Phelps Garden

1:30–3:00 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Garrett-Phelps Basement
Garrett-Phelps House

3:00–3:30 PM
Ragtime Piano Performance
Garrett-Phelps House

3:00–3:30 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Black Hawk Rock & Indigenous History of Des Moines County
Heritage Center

3:30–4:00 PM
Black Hawk Rock Archaeological Findings Discussion
Heritage Center

Des Moines County History Club
2026-06-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 12:00
Join fellow history enthusiasts every Wednesday to uncover interesting facts of Des Moines County’s past.

Come with ideas of what you’d like to research, or bring a curious mind to see where the conversation goes.

You never know what new information you’ll discover each week!

You’re welcome to come in anytime between 10 am and noon!

Sounds of the Past: Live Ragtime Music
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00
Listen to ragtime pieces performed in the beautiful Grand Gallery.

Executive Director Colton Overton shares his incredible talent on Martin Bruhl’s historic Steinway & Sons piano.

With so many people to celebrate this month, the theme includes Juneteeth, LGBTQ+ Melodies, and the Ragtime Rainbow.

The event is free and open to the public. Arrive any time between 10 am and 12 pm!

Sounds of the Past: July's Live Ragtime Music
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00
Listen to ragtime pieces performed in the beautiful Grand Gallery.

Executive Director Colton Overton shares his incredible talent on Martin Bruhl’s historic Steinway & Sons piano.

This month’s music is inspired by riverboat melodies and Mississippi River themes.

The event is free and open to the public. Arrive any time between 10 am and 12 pm!
