Like many musicians, artists, theaters and other arts organizations in this surreal time, Quad-Cities museums are putting their collections and programs online. Forced by the coronavirus crisis to close down March 17, Davenport’s Figge Art Museum, German American Heritage Center & Museum, and Putnam Museum & Science Center have significantly boosted their websites and social-media presence. The “virtual museum” has become reality for museums worldwide. “The challenge is with reaching our audience during this time of closure, really has brought this new opportunity... Read More

Hey, let’s face it, we all know this is a troubling time. With all of the precautions, panic and precarious situations surrounding the coronavirus, it’s gotten very difficult to maintain a positive outlook. However, no matter how negative things may get, there are always people out there helping, there are always people out there trying to do the right thing, there are always people out there being kind and trying to make the world a better place, and those people and their actions are all the more significant and impactful now. That’s why this column, and the live segment on KWQC-TV6’s... Read More

From chemical reactions that fizz and bubble to the STEM careers that are shaping our future — Chemistry is AMAZING! Thanks to 3M on Saturday Feb 8, you’ll enjoy FREE admission to the Putnam Museum (1717 W 12th Street Davenport) and Science Center and Chemistry experiments presented by Putnam Educators with this celebration of Chemistry! You will discover hands-on learning and fun in the newest original Putnam exhibit — OMg! Elements of Surprise — and learn about Chemistry careers!   ABOUT THE EXHIBIT: At OMg! Elements of Surprise, you’ll explore the building blocks that shape... Read More

Does your child know the many jobs our four-legged heroes do so well? Test their knowledge with Explorers Jr.: Heroes with Four Legs — for Pre-K through 1st Grade! The Putnam Museum’s (1717 W 12th Street Davenport) Explorers Jr.: Heroes With Four Legs will take place this Saturday Feb 1 from 9 – 11 a.m. They say “dogs are man’s best friend!” but they are so much more than that! This workshop is sure to grow your child’s appreciation for canine companions in our community! Parents can rest assured during Putnam Explorers (Grades 2-5) & Explorers Jr. (Pre-K – 1st... Read More

Kick off 2020 with some exciting and educational events at the Putnam Museum! Saturday Jan 4 is filled with fun activities for the entire family at the Putnam Museum (1717 W 12th Street Davenport). Whether you have a curious little one or are looking for an all-inclusive experience, check out these amazing events.   Explorers Jr.: Simple Circuit Creations Is your child a natural problem-solver? Foster their talent and AMP UP their New Year on Jan 4 from 9 -11 a.m. with Explorers Jr.: Simple Circuit Creations — for Pre-K through 1st Grade! Explore electricity with a SHOCKING look at circuits.... Read More

The night sky has mystified humanity for millennia, yet only recently have we begun to grasp our place in the cosmos. From astronomy’s humble beginnings to jaw-dropping modern advancements, embark on a journey of celestial discovery in the Putnam Museum’s (1717 W 12th Street Davenport) portable planetarium, with “From Earth to the Universe” on Friday, Dec 27! Voyage through time and space to learn how scientific advancements have propelled our understanding of the universe with “From Earth to the Universe”! This stunning exploration of the cosmos will take you out... Read More

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods aren’t slowing down. The duo, who grew up making indie films since their teen years in Bettendorf, Iowa, and currently reside in Los Angeles, shot to prominence with “A Quiet Place” last year, after over a decade of under-the-radar ups-and-downs in Hollywood. Currently, Beck and Woods are in Canada in pre-production on a new project they’re “not allowed to talk about yet,” that they’re writing and directing. “It should be a fun one,” Wood said. “I wish we could other than we’re still following our heart down the horror genre that path and we think... Read More

In July 2003, I saw the future of cinema in the work of two teens from Bettendorf. That was when I was asked by Max Collins to be a judge of the Iowa Film Awards. At the time, I was writing for three area newspapers, I was an entertainment correspondent for seven area radio stations and I was on two local TV stations – including KWQC’s “Paula Sands Live,” for which I was one of two film critics with my good friend Linda Cook. That’s why Max asked me to start judging the awards a year or two before, and I saw a number of pretty good local films, but it wasn’t until that summer of 2003... Read More

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writers behind the Oscar-nominated “A Quiet Place” will return to their hometown of the Quad-Cities to host a screening of their new film, “Haunt,” their first directorial and screenwriting debut for a major studio. You can join the Bettendorf natives, on Saturday, Sept. 14, to see “Haunt” on the Putnam Museum’s GIANT Screen. (Rated R) For just $9 tickets ($8 seniors, college students and military), you’ll experience this brand-new movie written and directed by the Beck/Woods duo. Members save $1 on tickets. Space is... Read More

Unearth the excitement of EVERYTHING your children love about dinosaurs in a sensory-friendly setting! Enjoy “The Land Before Time” at the Putnam Museum (1717 W 12th Street Davenport), this Sunday Aug 11 at 4 p.m. on the GIANT Screen! Stick around after the movie (5 – 6 p.m.) for a variety of dino-themed activities, modified to accommodate those with special needs. Guests will also be able to meet and interact with a friendly baby triceratops puppet! What is a sensory friendly movie? It’s a movie modified to be “friendlier” to the senses. Changes to the environment and film... Read More