Say it three times fast: Happy septuagennicentennial!
Or maybe centenniseptuagennial? However you say it–the experts disagree–Iowa will turn 170 years old in December, and the State Historical Museum is celebrating with new exhibitions and a gala party.
“Our new exhibits and programs will give Iowans a chance to learn what our state was like 170 years ago,” says director Susan Kloewer, “and our fifth annual gala will celebrate the best of current Iowa arts, music, history and cuisine.”
The annual Celebrate Iowa Gala is Dec. 9, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Historical Building. The evening will be filled with arts, history, cuisine and cocktails from around the state, with entertainment by Chad Elliot, DSM Dueling Fiddles and Christopher the Conquered. Tickets are $100 (with special rates for young professionals and those wanting to attend a VIP reception prior to the gala). Purchase tickets here.
Gala celebrants will get a preview of new exhibits opening Dec. 10. These exhibits will be free to museum visitors and feature dozens of historic artifacts in the museum gallery, plus a “hands-on history” exhibit designed for children ages 10 and younger.
