Workshops and Day Camps
Young historians can learn about Iowa history with unique educational experiences only available at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Using the museum and exhibits as a unique classroom, participants in these programs will explore the museum and the history of Iowa while examining historical artifacts, diving into historical research and learning special skills.
To keep up-to-date on future workshops, camps and activities, become a Goldie's Kids Club Member to receive a monthly museum newsletter. Do you have any questions about day camp programs? Please email museum.education@iowa.gov.
Questions about Day Camp?
To learn more information about the day camp program and review policies, please read the Day Camp FAQ. Do you have any questions about day camp programs that is not found in the FAQ? Please email all additional questions to museum.education@iowa.gov.
Day Camp Refund and Cancellation Policies
Read our cancellation and refund policies for further information.
Family Day Camps
Goldie's Family Day Camp
Looking for a fun way to learn about Iowa history with the whole family? Save your spot in the next Goldie's Family Day Camp. Young historians, ages 6-10 years old, alongside their adults will explore the museum vault and exhibits, listen to a short story and create a hands-on craft while learning about Iowa's past. The shorter program format is a great way to introduce history to younger historians.
| Program Theme | Program Date | Time | Cost |
| Planes, Trains & Automobiles | June 21, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | $5 per person |
| Art in the Museum | July 12, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | $5 per person |
Youth Day Camps (4th - 6th Grade)
Junior Curator Day Camp
What does it take to create and run a museum? Young historians (entering 4th through 6th grade) will explore the roles of curators, conservators and exhibit designers with the unique experience offered through the Junior Curator Day Camp. Students will investigate historic artifacts, explore the museum's collection vault and learn about Iowa's exciting history with museum staff. Students also will design and arrange their own themed exhibit featuring objects from the State Historical Museum's collection.
| Program Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, June 12 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | $65 per person |
Digging Up the Past Day Camp
Young historians (entering 4th through 6th grade) will really dig this day camp. Young historians will be in for an adventure while learning about archaeology at the State Historical Museum of Iowa's Digging Up the Past day camp. At the end of the day, young historians will walk away with a better understanding of the science (and fun) of archaeology from using the museum's unique artifacts and collections.
| Program Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, July 24 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | $65 per person |
History Heroes Day Camp
Calling all history heroes! The new History Heroes day camp has young historians (entering 4th through 6th grade) take a journey through Iowa history to learn about our state's History Heroes through interactive hands-on activities. History heroes are historically significant Iowans and important past events. Throughout the day camp, young historians will investigate Iowa's past through engaging and fun activities connected to STEAM education - science, technology, engineering, art and math - while at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
| Program Date | Time | Cost |
| Wednesday, June 26 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | $65 per person |
Student Workshops (7th - 12th Grade)
Young Historians' Workshop
The Young Historian Workshop is a two-day workshop for middle and high school students (entering 7th to 12th grades) held at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Students will discover the behind-the-scenes work of a variety of different roles at a museum.
Throughout the two days at the museum, students will explore the museum's collection vault and exhibits, learn historical research tips from archives staff and meet museum staff to learn about their different roles within the organization. Students will have a first-hand experience in what it takes to become a historian.
| Program Date | Time | Cost |
| July 18-19 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | $130 |
Past Programs
Young Writers' Workshop
The Young Writers' Workshop was a week-long workshop for middle and high school students held at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Materials from past programs are linked below: