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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 2023 include:

January 15

A History of the Mental Health Institute with Brian Fulton 2:00 p.m.

Beginning with the Kirkbride Plan and Design, Dr. Brian Fulton will discuss the milestones affecting patient care at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute.

February 19 

All the Flag Fixins with Dave Ellis 2:00 p.m.

Vexillology is the study of flags. Dave Ellis has collected replica flags from the Revolutionary War as well as some rare antique American flags. Dave will delve into what makes a good flag design and why.  You may even win a custom flag featuring your own design!

March 12 

The Buzz on Pollination with Laura Jones 2:00 p.m.

How does pollination work and why is it important? We’ll talk about pollinators, they’re attracted to certain flowers, and how to invite them into your yard. 

April 16

How Country Schools made Iowa a leader in learning with Bill Sherman 2:00 p.m.

Homer Seerley and Henry Sabin worked to help place trained teachers in more than 12,623 one and two-room schools in Iowa in 1901.  In the 1900s most counties in Iowa had more than 100. Iowa has the most preserved country schools in America and each year new preservation projects are undertaken.

May 7 

* Camp Dodge: Home Away from Home 1917-1918 with Michael Vogt, Curator for the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum 2:00 p.m.

Following the U.S. entry into World War I, the War Department undertook the task of raising a force large enough to contribute to the war effort. Camp Dodge, Iowa, was selected as one of 16 training camps for draftees. The Iowa National Guard camp was expanded into the largest military base in Iowa’s history. In 1917 - 1918, Iowa draftees left cities, towns and farms to become soldiers during the First World War. 

August 12 

Meteors and a Movie! Perseid Meteor Shower Party at the Fairgrounds 9:30 p.m.

Come join us for an outdoor drive-in movie under a sky filled with meteors! The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour! We will have a movie to watch as we keep an eye out for meteors. Our telescope will be focused on a variety of space objects. Bring lawn chairs and bug spray. If it is cloudy the movie will still be on but if it rains, we will cancel.

September 17 

Saving Our Avian Resources; Raptor Rehabilitation, Education, and Research with Kay Neumann 2:00 p.m.

Come see the live Raptors at the Sanford! We will learn about the characteristics of raptors, what SOAR does, and how each raptor species is unique.

October 15

Nebraska’s Winding Road to Statehood: In the Footsteps of a Female Settler with

Barbara Kagi Mayhew Bradway 2:00 p.m.

A female settler recounts the issues of Nebraska’s territorial days. In a first-person portrayal, Sara Brandes Crook recounts Bradway’s impressions as an early permanent white settler. She also explores the Underground Railroad. 

November 12 

* It Ain’t Over ‘til the Fat Lady Sings or How to Really Enjoy an Opera! With Kay Krekow and Dr. Harry Dunstan 2:00 p.m.

Who’s afraid of OPERA? Not YOU! Before there were Rock Stars, there were Opera Divas. Soprano, Kay Krekow, and her favorite tenor, Dr. Harry Dunstan, will teach you all you need to know about how to appreciate and enjoy opera! 

*Humanities Iowa Program

*Humanities Iowa Speaker

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