Monday, June 2, 2014
mobile museum
Photo courtesy the UI Office of the State Archaeologist.

The University of Iowa Mobile Museum will roll into downtown Des Moines on Tuesday, June 17, where it will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center (JMPEC), 1200 Grand Avenue. The 38-foot custom-built RV features exhibits on Iowa history, archaeology, and paleontology, as well as an interactive digital wall that allows visitors to explore UI research and creativity.

UI curators Sarah Horgen, Elizabeth Reetz, and Julia DeSpain will present a noon-hour Hawkeye Lunch and Learn lecture about the museum exhibits and mission. Guests are invited to bring a lunch to the lecture. Both the Mobile Museum and the Lunch and Learn lecture are free and open to the public with no RSVP required.

To read a related story on another Lunch and Learn lecture, see Gurnett shares firsthand account of Voyager's interstellar journey.

The UI Mobile Museum is a collaboration between the Office of the State Archaeologist, the Old Capitol Museum, and the UI Museum of Natural History.

The Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series offers events in Des Moines and Iowa City designed to connect Iowa communities, university faculty, and government and industry leaders. The Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement sponsors the series.

Upcoming events in Des Moines include:

  • July 22: “Two Years in the Life of Iowa’s Most Famous Painting,” Sean O'Harrow, director, UI Museum of Art
  • Aug. 12: "Magical Mythical Tour: In Search of the Beatles," Donna Parsons, UI Honors Program
  • Sept. 23: "The Internet: Past, Present and Future," Dan Reed, UI vice president for research and economic development

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. The Mobile Museum is equipped with a wheelchair lift. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the Mobile Museum in advance at 319-384-0561.