The Putnam Museum and Science Center is offering the first-ever Davenport Civil Rights Bicycle Tour at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12.
The tour promises to be an enlightening experience for participants of all ages. It will delve into the rich Civil Rights history of the Quad Cities.
I will be led by Ryan Saddler, the associate vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at St. Ambrose University. This guided bicycle tour will navigate significant historical sites that played pivotal roles in the local civil rights movement.
Participants will explore important landmarks, including the homes of civil rights activists Charles and Ann Toney, the LeClaire Park Bandshell, the Natatorium Public Pool, and the Barrio community, among others.
Each tour stop is designed to educate participants about the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality and justice in our community. The tour begins in the Putnam’s parking lot off Division Street in Davenport. All participants will need to bring their own bicycles (BYOB). This is a free event.
Guided tours available
For guests who would rather keep their bicycle at home, the Putnam also will be offering Civil Rights Highlight Tours at the museum. These guided tours will delve into the regional history showcased in the exhibit Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories. They will be led by Putnam Curators Christina Kastell and Nora Moriarty. These tours spotlight significant civil rights stories and artifacts and offer a deeper understanding of our community’s journey toward equality.
The tours will be offered during two of the museum’s new “Thursday Nights at the Putnam.” The museum will remain open until 8 p.m. and offer a special discount of $5 off general admission. The tours will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, with multiple time slots available at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. These tours are also free with general admission, making it an accessible opportunity for everyone.
Interested participants are encouraged to sign up ahead of time at www.putnam.org or by calling (563) 336-7290, space is limited.
The civil rights tours and civil rights sections of the exhibit Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories are supported in part by Quad City Bank & Trust. That institution is dedicated to uplifting the Quad City community and its citizens. This partnership with the Putnam underscores their commitment to promoting education and community engagement.
