For those looking to get their museum fix in the Quad Cities, the Putnam Museum over in Davenport is constantly cycling out interesting exhibitions of national, international, and local history.
The most recent featured exhibit to join those already on display is the Arsenal of Innovation exhibit, based on Rock Island’s very own Arsenal, on display through Sunday, November 15th.
For those willing to visit, the display has three interactive displays, two video displays, cases of different objects produced at the arsenal, and even a stand to create and test your own mini parachute.
The Arsenal, converted in 1862 to a military production facility, has been nationally recognized for it’s contributions in production and development for over 4 American wars. The exhibit displays generations of military equipment produced here in Rock Island, including a model of a Howtar, a blend between a howitzer and mortar that never passed into production and use.
Demonstrating the rich diversity of the Arsenal, the exhibit displays no only munitions, but also paper targets, sharpshooters medals, and leather saddles all produced in the history of the arsenal.
For those interested in other exhibits, the museum also has exhibits on Asian culture, Egyptian culture, and the River and Prairie People Cultures. For those looking to learn more, there is also a full Imax theater with various displays.
For those young of spirit, there is also an interactive science area where you can learn from displays donated by various sources, including our very own Steve and Jane Bahls.
The museum is located at 1717 W. 12th St, in Davenport, and is open from 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday, and Noon to 5 on Sundays. Tickets are $8, $7 with a student ID. For more information, check out the museum at www.putnam.org.