A Henry Farnam Evening at the Rogalski Center

River Action to Host 18th Annual Henry Farnam Evening Celebrating Regional History & Innovation

DAVENPORT, Iowa – River Action invites the community to attend the 18th Annual Henry Farnam Evening on Thursday, March 26, 2026, 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 5:00 p.m., featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, displays, and a raffle. The evening’s program begins at 6:00 p.m. 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.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Location: Rogalski Center, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA
5:00 p.m.: Doors Open – Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, displays, raffle
6:00 p.m.: Program Begins

Tickets

Program & Hors d’oeuvres: $35 per person
Reserved table of six: $180 per group
Tickets and additional information are available online or by calling 563-322-2969.

About River Action

River Action is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront through education, advocacy, and community engagement.