DAVENPORT, IOWA (April 16, 2026) — The Putnam Museum and Science Center will officially launch its premier donor circle, the Putnam 1867 Society, during an exclusive cocktail reception, “Raise the Dinosaur,” held on the Lardner Balcony, at the Putnam Museum and Science Center, Thursday, April 23, 6PM.
This milestone event represents a bold step forward for the museum, inviting the community’s most dedicated supporters to invest in the preservation, restoration, and future installation of a full-scale Triceratops, currently being unearthed and prepared for display as the first dinosaur skeleton to be placed on permanent exhibit in Iowa.
“The Putnam 1867 Society brings together leaders who understand that bold ideas require bold commitment,” said Cindy Diehl Yang, President and CEO of the Putnam Museum and Science Center.
“Their support ensures the Putnam will continue to inspire curiosity, learning, and wonder for decades to come. We are not just raising a dinosaur, we are elevating what’s possible for our community.”
The evening will convene civic leaders, philanthropists, and science enthusiasts along with our special guest of honor, Dr Marcus Eriksen, paleontologist and Putnam partner, for a dynamic 45-minute experience designed to inspire both awe and action.
In collaboration with students from Augustana College and the Fryxell Geology Museum, the event will feature an immersive, hands-on paleontology experience, complete with large fossil bones and authentic excavation tools, from air scribes and brushes to dental picks, magnifying safety glasses, skeletal diagrams, and a field bone map, bringing the science of discovery to life for guests.
“This is more than an event, it’s a defining moment for the Putnam,” said Michele Darland, Vice President of Development.
“We are building something that will last for generations, and it starts with a group of people willing to lead.”
Introducing the Putnam 1867 Society
The Putnam 1867 Society is a distinguished leadership giving circle designed to unite individuals and organizations committed to advancing the museum’s mission. Named for the museum’s founding year, the Putnam 1867 Society represents a renewed investment in the future of science education, community access, and cultural impact across the Quad Cities.
Charter Members hold a unique place in this legacy. They are not simply donors; they are founding architects of what comes next.
What It Means to Be a Charter Member
Becoming a Charter Member of the Putnam 1867 Society signals more than generosity, it signals leadership.
Charter Members will:
- Play a direct role in bringing the dinosaur to the Putnam, as a centerpiece of learning and inspiration;
- Be recognized as founding supporters in permanent museum installations, including a legacy recognition wall;
- Receive exclusive access to private exhibit previews and behind-the-scenes experiences; and
- Enjoy VIP access to the museum and its evolving programs.
Most importantly, Charter Members will be part of a select group shaping the trajectory of one of the region’s most important cultural institutions.
The event will conclude at 7:30PM, leaving guests with a clear sense of purpose and an opportunity to be part of something enduring. Those interested in being a part of the Putnam 1867 Society, can visit putnam.org/1867-society/ to learn more and sign up.
About the Putnam
The Putnam Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, exists to preserve, educate, and connect people to the wonders of science, culture, and history. For more than 150 years, guests have experienced the Putnam’s permanent exhibits ranging from Unearthing Ancient Egypt to our family-favorite science galleries, as well as an array of programs and internationally-recognized traveling exhibits. The Putnam is dedicated to helping guests discover and explore in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
For more information about events and exhibits, visit https://www.putnam.org.
