Join us for our Spring Speaker Series, second Tuesday of the month March-May.
MAY 12th • Tom Hockey - 7 August 1869: The Day Iowans Became Astronomers: Our state just missed the path of totality during two recent and well-publicized solar eclipses. This was not the case a century-and-a-half ago. Then, a similar, continent-spanning total eclipse of the Sun could be seen best from Iowa. In the latter 1800s, scientists still knew little about the Sun. Were total eclipses a chance to learn more? For the first time, Iowa's amateur astronomers had an opportunity to work alongside visiting professionals, during a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Preregister here or at the door on the day of the event.
Admission is $5 for non-members and free for museum members.
A light meal fundraiser held by Friends of the Grout Historic Houses will be available with all proceeds going to support our historic homes.