The Putnam Museum and Science Center and the Davenport Public Library are partnering to launch “Artifacts & Archives,” a new podcast exploring 250 years of American history through the unique perspective of the Quad Cities. The series is timed to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The first episode premiered Monday, Jan. 19. “Artifacts & Archives” is available on major podcast platforms and at www.putnam.org/artifacts-archives-podcast/.
Each episode of the podcast will use remarkable artifacts from the Putnam Museum and archival treasures from the library’s Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center to tell stories that connect the local community to national milestones.
“The Putnam Museum and Science Center is excited about teaming up with the Davenport Public Library,” Nora Moriarty, assistant curator at the Putnam Museum, said in a news release. “Both of our institutions hold clues to our community’s history, and both of our collections are expansive enough to illustrate how the Quad Cities fits into our nation’s history. This podcast feels like a match made in heaven.”
Listeners will discover surprising local stories, ranging from notable artifacts on display to rare items kept behind locked doors, and from historic documents to recommended reading.
“Davenport Public Library is so excited to partner with our friends at the Putnam Museum and Science Center for this special podcast series!” said Brittany Peacock, the library’s youth service supervisor.
Episodes include:
- Episode 1: Thomas Jefferson, the American Mastodon and Nation Building (broadcasted Monday, Jan. 19): Explores the connection between Thomas Jefferson, the American Mastodon fossil finds and the early American fight against Old World elitism.
- Episode 2: Black Hawk Treaty and the LeClaire Family (Monday, March 16): Focuses on Antoine and Marguerite LeClaire’s instrumental role in the 1832 Black Hawk Treaty signing and its lasting effects.
New episodes will appear every other month through 2026.
