Des Moines County Historical Society

Mark Tabbert: History of Freemasonry in Burlington, Iowa since 1840
2022-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Heritage Center, 501 N 4th Street, Burlington, IA, 52601, United States
The first Masonic meeting in the Iowa Territory was held on the evening of November 6, 1840, in the Burlington carpenter shop of Brother Evan Evans. That meeting led to the chartering of the Des Moines Lodge No 41 by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. In 1844 the Des Moines Lodge was rechartered as the first lodge in the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and continues to meet to the present day. What is Freemasonry? How did it come to Burlington? And what do Freemasons do? These questions, along with an explanation of the numerous other fraternal organizations that once, and still serve diverse Burlington communities will be presented.
Please use the Columbia Street door with the blue awning. Doors will open at 5:45.

Cathy Ziglar: Bat Conservation in Des Moines County
2022-10-15 13:00 - 15:00
Many people think of bats as mysterious, and maybe even a little scary, but bats provide important pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal benefits to agriculture and natural environments, and they are important players in food webs. In recent years bat populations have been in dramatic decline due to climate change, habitat loss, wind turbines, and a deadly fungal disease that affects mostly hibernating bats in North and Central America. It is estimated that nearly seven million bats have been lost in North America to White-nose Syndrome (WNS) since 2007. Of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada, nearly half of them hibernate through the winter. In the U.S. WNS has been confirmed in 37 states, including Iowa, and the disease has killed over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown, and tri-colored bat populations. All three of these species are found in Des Moines County. This presentation will highlight some of the bat conservation efforts taking place in Des Moines County.
Please use the Columbia Street door with the blue awning. Doors will open at 12:45.

Dave Lotz: Burlington's Railroads
2022-09-24 13:00 - 15:00
Railroad historian and Burlington native, David Lotz, will present a Town Hall on the Railroads of Burlington. He will provide historical photos and information on the Burlington Route’s railroads from its inception in 1849, to its merger in 1970 becoming the Burlington Northern and beyond. His presentation will include information about the Burlington shops and the Burlington’s two narrow gauge rail lines as well as information on the Rock Island line. A brief question and answer session will be held at the conclusion of the presentation.
We encourage you to use the Columbia Street door with the blue awning, doors will open at 12:45. If you are a railroad enthusiast, you will want to attend this Town Hall Meeting!

Rodney Botts: Early Street Cars in Burlington
2022-09-10 13:00 - 15:00
Ever wonder how people got around in early Burlington? Ever wonder about street cars? Rodney Botts will be discussing early Burlington street cars. Please use the Columbia Street door (with the blue awning). Doors open at 12:45.

Terry Peterson and John Ramsey: Local Decoy Carvers
2022-08-06 13:00 - 15:00
Terry Peterson and John Ramsey will be giving a program on local decoy carvers! Burlington has been the home to some remarkable local carvers over the years, including Hal Sorenson and William O. Ewinger. Come on down and learn about this fascinating craft! Please use the Columbia Street door (with the blue awning). Doors open at 12:45

Paul French: Historic Maps of Burlington
2022-07-02 13:00 - 15:00
Paul French will be giving a presentation on historic maps of Burlington. See how the town has changed over the last 190 years! Paul is a local historian who specializes in historic maps and finding obscure information. Please use the Columbia Street Door (with the blue awning). Doors open at 12:45
