Virtual Exhibit Experiences
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is working to make exhibits and collection more accessible to every classroom in the state. Through staff-led programs and educator-led resources, the virtual exhibit experiences and virtual classroom lessons listed below allow students to digitally explore many of the museum's fascinating and history-making objects.
For questions or to receive more information about virtual exhibit experiences, contact staff at museum.education@iowa.gov.
Virtual Classroom Lessons
The State Historical Museum of Iowa has created theme-based lessons for classrooms to learn about important historical themes and connections to Iowa's past. The digital educational materials provide educators with background information about the historical topic and guided standards-based activities to help students learn with artifacts from the museum collection.
| Lesson Topic | Recommended Grade Level | Educator Guides |
| Immigration to Iowa | 3rd Grade | Immigration to Iowa |
| Change & Continuity in Children's Lives | 4th Grade | Change & Continuity in Children's Lives |
| Rights & Responsibilities | 5th Grade | Rights & Responsibilities |
Virtual Classroom Program
The program focuses on teaching important Iowa themes while investigating artifacts and learning the stories of Iowans who impacted history.
- This program has both pre-recorded and live options. Live programs will be scheduled in advance with a museum staff member, and will be hosted through Zoom.
- Program Price: Free
- Schedule: The programs are available Tuesday-Friday and require at least two weeks in advance registration. If you need to schedule the program for mulitple times or days, please email museum.education@iowa.gov to discuss options.
- Program Requirements: Computer access; stable Internet connection
Iowa and the Civil War |
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| Description | Learn about Iowa's important role in the Civil War while exploring historic artifacts from the museum's extensive collection. While investigating objects, the program will focus on artifacts and historic images that tell the stories of Alexander Clark's fight for equality, struggles on the homefront and General Grenville Dodge's role in creating the Union spy network. + View Program Summary + Watch an Exhibit Introduction Video by State Curator Leo Landis + More about Iowa and the Civil War Exhibit |
| Recommended Grade Levels | Grades 4-7, 9-12 |
| Length | 45 minutes |
| Register | |
Iowa Territory |
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| Description |
Iowa became a state on Dec. 28, 1846, but what happened prior to statehood? Explore the land's territorial history through objects and Iowans whose stories are featured in the museum's You Gotta Know the Territory exhibit. |
| Recommended Grade Levels | Grades 3-12 |
| Length | 45 minutes |
| Register | |
Iowa's People & Places |
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| Description |
Many different people have called this land home throughout history. This interactive program serves an overview of Iowa’s past while highlighting unique stories and spotlighting artifacts found in the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s exhibit, Iowa’s People & Places. |
| Recommended Grade Levels | Grades 3-12 |
| Length | 45 minutes |
| Register | |