CURIOUS?

Sanford Museum Association
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 also sponsors several programs each year.

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

Sanford Museum Association Programs for 2026 include:

January 18 

Family & Consumer Sciences: The Modern Home Economics with Katie Puettmann 2:00 pm 

Have you ever wondered what home economics looks like in 2026? Explore how Cherokee High School’s FCS program connects students to practical skills, community engagement, and career pathways. Hear from FCS instructor Katie Puettmann and her students about what they’re working on in class and what they enjoy most about FCS.

February 22 

Just Before the Battle, Mother with O. J. Fargo 2:00 pm

Mr. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia and focuses the first person presentation on an individual Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. After a brief overview of the state’s involvement, we will meet a returning Civil War veteran (played by O. J. Fargo). He will detail the experiences of an Iowan during the conflict. During and after the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier,” who stays in character. The speaker will bring an artifact display and full electronic Civil War roster of all men who served in and from Iowa. It can be searched by name, city, county and/or birthplace.

March 15

Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek with Darren Maurer and Brian Buckmeier 

2:00 pm 

It will begin with an overview of the Hell Creek geologic formation explaining the time period, environment, and conditions that led to dinosaur fossils being preserved where they are found today. We will also highlight other fossils from animals that lived alongside late Cretaceous dinosaurs.

The presentation will also offer a brief history of the paleontologists who have excavated dinosaur fossils in the region over the past 125 years. We will learn about the tools and techniques used to locate and excavate fossilized dinosaur bones.

The program will conclude with a look at several notable species of late Cretaceous dinosaurs. We will bring some dinosaur fossils as well to display and discuss during the program.

April 12 

Forts of the Missouri River Valley with Jeff Barnes 2:00 pm

Learn about the early military posts (1795-1866) built on the lands which became the territory and then the state of Nebraska. These were the among the first of the permanent inroads to Nebraska, where the Native and Euro-American made connections leading to trade, exploration, war and eventual settlement. 

August 12 

Perseid Meteor Shower at Stiles River Farm and Woodland Preserve 9:30 pm

The Sanford Museum Association invites you to come join us for a night under a sky filled with meteors.The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors an hour. This year will be especially great to view meteors because it will be a new moon!

We will be meeting at the Stiles River Farm and Woodland Preserve south of Cherokee. We will have maps available. 

Bring lawn chairs and bug spray! If it is clear we will be there!!

September 20

Missing in America Project with Mary Crouse 

2:00 pm

Why We're Here

The purpose of the MIA Project is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.

The Missing in America Veterans Recovery Program (MIAP) (EIN: 20-8408832) is a Federal recognized Non-Profit Veterans Organization for the identification, location, verification, ad movement of Veterans and their Dependents.

On Monday, September 21, Mary will honor those unidentified veterans burials at the MHI cemetery.This is part of the Cherokee Historic Commission’s “History Week.” 

The public is invited. 

October 11

*Cartoons & Conservation: A Visit with Ding Darling with Tom Milligan 2:00 pm

In this 45-minute presentation, Jay N. “Ding” Darling visits with the audience, as an old friend, in his 11th office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City where as a young boy where he became aware of the natural world around him while developing skills as an editorial cartoonist, he recalls his remarkable life journey. His story continues to include two Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoons for the Register and a remarkable career as a nationally known conservationist. From the introduction of The Duck Stamp to the creation of the National Wildlife Federation, Darling’s influence was felt not only through his cartoons but his actions as well. Considered by many to be one of the most important members of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, the impact of his work is still felt today.

*Iowa Humanities Speaker

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