The Sanford Museum Association is an organization of volunteers who contribute time and money to enrich the offerings of the Sanford Museum and Planetarium.

Working in cooperation with museum staff, the association hosts exhibits, lectures, and demonstrations, sponsors programs of research, and purchases museum equipment and library books.

The association sponsors several programs each year.

To find out about becoming a Sanford Museum Association member, E-mail us at sanfordmuseum@iowatelecom.net

The programs for 2010 are: 

Jan. 23, 2010 - 7:30 P.M.   The Beauty of Northwest Iowa Photography Contest 

Join us for this exciting evening when the winners of our photography contest are announced!  Our judge will give a gallery talk about our photography display that is a result of the overwhelming response to our photo contest.

February 13 - 7:30 p.m.    Playing in the NFL - Adam Timmerman

We are so pleased to have Adam here!  He will share his experiences as an NFL player, what it is like to be a professional football player.  Adam will give us insight on the day to day life of a player, his relationships with other players and the hard work it takes to play at that level.  If you have ever played football, or know a young person that does, please bring them and listen to this remarkable player!

March 13 - 7:30 p.m.    Storytellers of the Prairie -  
Clayton and Linda Layman and Alan Baughman

The Storytellers of the Prairie are three Master Storytellers who have a rich Iowa heritage.  For several generations their families have made their homes in Iowa. The stories they tell come from true life experiences and family history.  Their tales take you from tears to laughter and leave you sharing your own life stories.

April 24 - 7:30 p.m.     Yup - Nope and Why Midwesterners 
Don’t Say Much - Barbara Lounsberry

Born and raised in Iowa, Professor Lounsberry from UNI believes Iowa culture, like its soil, is incredibly rich. This half-in-jest, whole-in-earnest presentation (with slides) explores the historical roots of Midwestern reserve, along with contemporary illustrations. As one Midwesterner deadpanned on return from the East: "We think we are being polite; they think we are slow-witted."

June 26 - 7:30 p.m.     Illness and Artistic Expression
by Margaret Midland

Margaret Midland, well known artist from Cherokee, did 22 oil pastel self-portraits as she was going through treatments for Breast Cancer. This is the official opening of the exhibit. Sponsored by The Cherokee Arts Council and the Sanford Museum Association.

August 7 - 7:30 p.m.    One’s and Two’s - Exhibit Opening - Chuck Schoenknecht

Chuck and Ward (our favorite appraisers) our sharing part of Chuck’s post card collection with us in this unique exhibit.  Over 50 cards will be displayed, and Chuck will be giving a presentation about them at the opening.  Don’t miss this party!  As many of you will agree, it is always fun with these two!

August 12 - 9:00 p.m.   Perseid Meteor Shower Party - Cherokee Little League Fields

This year should be dazzling! Don’t miss this night of watching for meteors and looking through our telescopes at other night sky objects.  Bring binoculars, lawn chairs, bug spray, blankets and let’s party!

September 18 - 7:30 p.m.    Laura Ingalls Wilder - Sarah Uthoff

That Midwestern girl that we have all come to know through her own stories comes to life with Sarah’s presentation.  She is an active Wilder researcher who has been very involved in a variety of programs about Laura Ingalls Wilder throughout Iowa.  Sarah will tell us the story of Laura’s life using slides taken at all the Laura sites.

October 9 - 7:30 p.m.    The Well-Built Barn Quilt…All Pleasure, 
No Guilt - Margo Sievers

Have you noticed all of the beautiful barn quilts around NW Iowa?   Come and find out the history of barn quilts and how they are made. Margo will include the story of her own barn quilts.  She will tell us about the Underground Railroad quilt blocks as well.  Margo will discuss color use and does an activity with us too.  This will be a great evening!


November 13 - 7:30 p.m.    Juke Boxes, Pool Halls and Ducktails - Layton Zbornick 

Layton Zbornick wrote and recorded Iowa’s first Rock & Roll record titled Janet and was inducted into Iowa’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  This program is an entertaining look at those good old days of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, seen from the perspective of a young man who grew up in rural small town Iowa and experienced the cultural changes to his society brought on by the music of the time. This fun and entertaining program is full of great memories and music.

To find out about becoming a Sanford Museum Association member, E-mail us at sanfordmuseum@iowatelecom.net