“Legacy of the Land: Treaties and the Shaping of America" at the Putnam Museum & Science Center -- September 18 through February 7.
Exhibition Preview: Friday, September 18, 5:30 p.m.
Exhibit: Saturday, September 19, through Sunday, February 7
Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 West 12th Street, Davenport IA
Developed in collaboration with the National Museum of American Indian and Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street, the Putnam Museum & Science Center's fascinating new traveling exhibit Legacy of the Land: Treaties and the Shaping of America will be on display from September 19 through February 7, a special exhibition preview event scheduled for Friday, September 18.
Legacy of the Land: Treaties and the Shaping of America explores the history and enduring impact of treaties between Tribal Nations and the United States. Through artifacts, historical documents, photographs, and personal stories, visitors will discover how these agreements transformed the American landscape, reshaped communities, and continue to influence our nation today.
At the Putnam Museum, the national exhibition is uniquely connected to local history through the story of the Black Hawk Treaty of 1832, a defining agreement between the Sauk, Meskwaki, and the United States government that ultimately led to the founding of Davenport, Iowa. By connecting national themes to regional history, the exhibition offers visitors a deeper understanding of how treaties have shaped both the country and the Quad Cities region.
“What makes Legacy of the Land so unique is the presence and guidance of our curators and content experts from the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and the Meskwaki Nation," said Hailey Lorenzen, NAGPRA Specialist at the Putnam. "Through their collaboration, this exhibit shows the effects treaties had at the time on both Tribes who were living in Iowa and Tribes who were removed here. This exhibit does an amazing job of showing the different perspectives that went into the signing of these treaties and the ramifications of those differences.
“It’s especially meaningful to me that we are exhibiting objects from both of our partner’s nations. When visitors read about these broken treaties and attempts to forcibly assimilate Native Americans, they will also see evidence that it did not succeed and that Tribes have continued to demonstrate their sovereignty and pass on their cultural traditions. That is something we at the Putnam are really celebrating through this exhibit.”
More than a traveling exhibition, Legacy of the Land reflects the Putnam Museum's commitment to presenting history accurately, thoughtfully, and respectfully. Throughout the development and installation process, the Putnam worked closely with multiple Tribal Nations, Native American historians, cultural advocates, educators, and community partners to ensure the stories represented in the exhibition are shared with authenticity, care, and historical accuracy.
"This exhibition represents the kind of work the Putnam Museum strives to do every day, bringing people together through education, dialogue, and meaningful community partnerships," said Cindy Diehl Yang, President and CEO of the Putnam. "We are honored to work alongside the Meskwaki Nation, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Native scholars, and community partners to share these important stories."
In addition to Legacy of the Land being on display through February 7, the community is invited to an exclusive preview evening on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., the evening before the exhibition opens to the rest of the public. This special event will feature representatives from the Meskwaki Nation (Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa) and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, who will share stories and perspectives that provide deeper context to the exhibition. Guests will enjoy complimentary food and beverages and hear from tribal representatives, and admission to the event is $10-25.
The exhibit itself will be on display from September 19 through February 7, with the Davenport venue open Mondays through Saturdays from10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance to the exhibit is free with $10-12 general admission, a number of community programs will be held in conjunction with Legacy of the Land: Treaties and the Shaping of America through January, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)324-1933 and visiting Putnam.org.
