Rachel Mullins, left, president and CEO of the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport, talks with Gaye Burnett on Friday, April, 14, during a tour of the new “Common Ground” exhibit at the Putnam. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
The story of the Quad Cities – at least a big part of it – is now on display at the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport. The regional history exhibit “Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories” opened on Saturday, April 15. Before the public got a look at the new exhibit, around 50 […]
The story of the Quad Cities – at least a big part of it – is now on display at the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport.The regional history exhibit “Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories” opened on Saturday, April 15.Before the public got a look at the new exhibit, around 50 people gathered at the Putnam on Friday afternoon, April 14, for a Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of “Common Ground.”“This is our history. This is the story of us and we need our entire community involved,” said Putnam President & CEO Rachel Mullins during the opening ceremonies. “This is an exhibit update that reflects the modern era, our shared experience as Quad Citizens, and the rich diversity of our community,” she added.
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A photo of Bill Wundram, the longtime newspaper columnist and reporter, is shown serving up an ice cream cone at the “Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories” exhibit at the Putnam Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the new exhibit.
People look over the new exhibit.
The new exhibit opened to the public on Saturday.
This sign -- "We All Have A Story" -- is at the front of the exhibit.
People look over parts of the new exhibit.
Part of that rich diversity includes hundreds of big and small artifacts, displays, photos, artwork and much more. A few of the items on display include:
An old voting machine, dating back to the 1970s, that still has labels of candidates and gives voters their choice of voting for presidential candidates Richard Nixon or George McGovern.
A large photo of longtime newspaper columnist and reporter Bill Wundram is in a display devoted to businesses in the region. The photo shows Mr. Wundram, who died early this year, dressed in a red and white striped uniform and preparing an ice cream cone.
A Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream pizza box.
A UAW “On Strike” sign.
Military uniforms, swords and other military equipment.
A phonograph from World War II that was on the SS Davenport.
A section devoted to the civil rights movement includes a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and BLM poster, and a photo of the “Rocky Riot” of 1972 that involved Rock Island High School students clashing with police.
While looking over some of those items, Ryan Saddler, CEO of the Friends of MLK group (another partner in the “Common Ground” exhibit), said he is happy that many parts and stories of local history are being shown at the Putnam exhibit.“I’m thrilled to see this representation. It’s refreshing. … I wish all this had been considered years ago,” he added.During the opening ceremonies for the exhibit, Mr. Saddler added that he is proud the exhibit is showing many items and stories from the African-American experience in the Quad Cities because much of that history has been lost.“Thank you for this bold work. … I’m excited about what has been done and what is yet to come,” he said, adding the exhibit will grow and more items from local history will be added.Gaye Burnett, co-founder of the Azubuike African American Council for the Arts, another Putnam’s partner in putting together the exhibit, added that is also pleased that “Common Ground” shows some of the stories and people that have often been forgotten.“We would like our history to be part of the tapestry of the Quad Cities,” said Ms. Burnett.Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said he was very impressed with the exhibit and hopes many will see it. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about our history. So, please come and visit,” he added, after touring the exhibit.Ms. Mullins added that she hopes the new exhibit will not only tell the story of the Quad Cities but help unite the community.“This work is about uniting our regional history, to give context, share our collective identity and assure that the next generation understands the Quad Cities as one people,” she said.
PUTNAM COMMOND GROUND EXHIBIT: AT A GLANCE
The Putnam partnered with Friends of Martin Luther King Interpretive Center, LULAC Council 10, and Azubuike African American Council for the Arts to co-curate the exhibit.
This is the first major update to the regional history exhibit since 1980.
It is centered around themes of history, including transportation, civil rights, wars, agriculture and many more rather than being a chronological timeline of history.
Guest curators have helped the Putnam develop content for the exhibit. For example, Deere & Co. officials wrote the labels for the Deere section of the exhibit.
It will include a section called “Faith and Sacrifice” that will feature an altar to Our Lady of Guadalupe that was once located at the now-closed St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Davenport. Bishop Thomas Zinkula will perform a special blessing on the artifacts.
In addition to many artifacts and displays, “Common Ground” also features interactive feedback stations that ask people to reflect on the exhibit and their own family’s history.
“Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories” is now open to the public. This exhibit is included in the price of general admission — $9 for adults, $8 for youth (ages 3–18), seniors, college students, and military. Through the Putnam’s Museums for All program, admission is $1 per person for households with the presentation of an EBT card. Admission is free for members.
The exhibit is made possible by: Arconic Foundation, the Jim Estes Estate, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, Constellation, the Institute of Museum and Libraries Foundation, and the Regional Development Authority.
