Celebrate Iowa’s Museums!

Do you know that Iowa has over 300 museums?! Iowa’s museums include art, history, natural history and specialty museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, botanic gardens, arboretums, nature centers, historic sites and similar institutions.

On Thursday, June 7th Governor Terry Branstad proclaimed June 11-17, 2012 as Iowa Museum Week. During this week, Iowa Museums will raise awareness of their programs and celebrate what makes them unique community assets. Iowa’s museums are important community assets, attracting visitors to area hotels, restaurants, and recreational areas; providing education and outreach for all ages; driving both incoming tourism revenue and job creation; and contributing to the overall quality of life that makes Iowa’s communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. According to the American Association of Museums, museums average approximately 865 million visits per year or 2.3 million visits per day. That’s a lot of museum visits! It doesn’t hurt that there are museums in every state.

Museums are great places to explore, learn and spend time with family and friends. You really never know what you will find in a museum! The best way to find out is to explore. Throughout this week, visit some museums close to you to find out the wonders that are waiting behind their doors.

To celebrate Iowa Museum Week, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is hosting a special family night on Thursday June 14^th from 4pm-7pm in Iowa Hall. Families can paint a cast of an animal footprint to take home and enjoy! This activity is free and open to the public.

Show you care about Iowa’s museum not only this week, but everyday!

-Written by Assistant Education Coordinator Ashlee Gloede