DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 11, 2026) — River Action invites the community to attend the 18th Annual Henry Farnam Evening on Thursday, March 26, at the Rogalski Center in Davenport. The evening will celebrate regional history, innovation, and the legacy of influential figures who shaped the Quad Cities and American agriculture.
Doors open at 5PM, featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, displays, and a raffle. Tickets for the program and the hors d’oeuvres is set at $35 per person; a reserved table of six is $180 per group.
The evening’s program begins at 6PM with presentations highlighting the historical development of industry, water power, and cultural heritage in the region.
The program will include:
- Neil Dahlstrom, Heritage Marketing and Archives Manager at John Deere, presenting “John Deere and the Development of American Agriculture.” Dahlstrom, an archivist, researcher, and author of multiple books — including Tractor Wars — will explore four key eras of Deere’s growth from the 1830s through the late 1990s.
- Patrick Allie, Director of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, discussing “The Development of Water Power in the QCA, 1820–1862,” and its role in influencing John Deere’s decision to establish operations in Moline.
- Dale G Haake, former Quad Cities Area poet laureate, presenting a dedicated reading of “A Grand Detour.”
- Opening remarks, acknowledgements, and a ceremonial toast by George Eaton.
Since its founding in 2004, Henry Farnam Evening has honored the historical legacy and lasting influence of Henry Farnam and other pioneers who helped shape the economic and cultural development of the Mississippi River region.
Tickets and additional information are available at RiverAction.org/HenryFarnam or by calling 563-322-2969.
About River Action
River Action is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
