Key Takeaways
- A variety of educational and heritage events are scheduled across Iowa in late April and early May 2026, targeting families, students, and history enthusiasts.
- Most programs are free but require advance registration or RSVP, with modest fees for certain activities.
- Community initiatives such as a statewide tree‑planting campaign and a photo collage of Iowa’s 934 towns encourage public participation.
- Ongoing contests and travel displays mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, highlighting historic routes and agricultural heritage.
April 18: Barnyard Readers – Paul Revere’s Ride
On the morning of April 18, 2026, Living History Farms in Urbandale will host a “Barnyard Readers” session for children ages three to five, accompanied by an adult. The program will feature the story Paul Revere’s Ride: Fly on the Wall History, followed by a hands‑on activity in which participants craft paper lanterns inside a historic one‑room schoolhouse. The experience blends indoor storytelling with an outdoor walk through the farm’s reconstructed town. Registration is mandatory through the farm’s website, and pricing is $34 for a parent‑child pair ($30 for members); each additional child costs $12 ($10 for members). This event offers a gentle introduction to early American history while fostering creativity and outdoor play.
April 23: Silas Soule – A Life of Courage
Later on April 23, the Iowa State Genealogical Society will present a 1 p.m. lecture titled “Silas Soule: From Maine to Colorado” at its Grand Avenue location in Des Moines. Historian Byron Strom will narrate the remarkable journey of Silas Soule, an abolitionist and Civil War officer from Maine who, serving in the Colorado Cavalry, famously refused to take part in the Sand Creek Massacre that claimed more than one hundred Cheyenne and Arapaho lives. Soule’s subsequent murder in Denver, after he testified against the perpetrators, will be examined in depth. The talk is free to the public and provides a nuanced portrait of moral conviction amid the turmoil of the Civil War era.
April 23: Hoovers in the White House – Historian Talk
At 6:30 p.m. the same day, Living History Farms will again open its doors for “Hoovers in the White House,” a reception‑style presentation featuring Sarah Fling, a historian from the White House Historical Association. Fling will discuss the broader “Hoover on the Road” initiative, linking historical figures to contemporary civic discourse. Attendees will enjoy a reception followed by a question‑and‑answer session. While admission is complimentary, RSVP is required through the farm’s website to ensure accurate headcount. This program blends scholarly insight with an informal social atmosphere, appealing to both history buffs and community members seeking intellectual engagement.
April 23: What Do We Stand For? – Philosophical Exploration
Also on April 23, the Lied Public Library in Clarinda will host a 6:30 p.m. evening titled “What Do We Stand For?” led by philosopher Scott Samuelson. Drawing on his recent publications and joint appointment at Iowa State University, Samuelson will guide participants through the foundational ideas that undergird American democracy and examine the evolving meaning of a government “by the people.” The discussion aims to provoke thoughtful reflection on civic responsibility and national identity. Admission is free, encouraging open access to philosophical dialogue for all interested citizens.
April 24: America250 Tree‑Planting Initiative Kickoff
The following morning, April 24, the America250 Tree‑Planting Initiative will commence its statewide Arbor Day kickoff at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Coordinated by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in partnership with Iowa 4‑H, Iowa FFA, and other organizations, the event seeks to plant 250 trees across Iowa by 2026. The ceremony will feature youth‑focused activities that connect students to Iowa’s agricultural legacy and democratic values. This ambitious project underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship while reinforcing civic pride through hands‑on community service.
April 25: Folk Art Fair – Celebrating Heritage Skills
On April 25, Living History Farms will host its inaugural Folk Art Fair, inviting visitors to witness and purchase crafts produced by Iowa artisans using traditional methods. Demonstrations will showcase time‑honored techniques—from hand‑loomed textiles to woodworking—in the recreated 1876 town of Walnut Hill. The fair serves as a living museum of regional cultural heritage, providing both educational insight and an opportunity for local creators to reach a broader audience. Admission is free, and the event highlights the farm’s ongoing mission to preserve and interpret historic rural life.
Ongoing Initiatives – Photo Collage, Calendar Contest, and Lincoln Highway Tour
Beyond scheduled events, several collaborative projects invite ongoing public involvement. The Sons of the American Revolution are assembling a photographic collage of all 934 incorporated cities and towns in Iowa; residents are encouraged to submit high‑quality images to [email protected]. Simultaneously, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture’s “Choose Iowa Calendar Contest” invites K‑12 students to create artwork that merges agricultural themes with patriotic symbols; winning pieces will appear in the 2026/2027 calendar distributed statewide. From now through September 5, the Facebook page “Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway” will spotlight a different historic stop each day along Iowa’s portion of the Lincoln Highway, offering a virtual road‑trip that educates followers about America’s first transcontinental highway.
Trailer Display and 250‑Year Commemoration
Finally, Wilson Trailer Co. in Sioux City has crafted a custom‑wrapped grain trailer celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The vibrant vinyl design features the American flag and travels across the nation, appearing at farm shows and public venues through July 31, 2026. This mobile exhibit serves both as a commemorative tribute and a promotional tool, linking agricultural heritage with national identity. Its itinerary provides additional opportunities for communities to engage with the historic milestone in a visually striking, accessible format.
These diverse programs collectively illustrate Iowa’s commitment to preserving history, fostering civic engagement, and encouraging environmental responsibility, while offering enriching experiences for residents of all ages.