Rock Island Arsenal Historical Society

Brown Bag Lunch Program - The Army & The World At War
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 60 – 3500 North Ave., Rock Island, IL, 61299, United States
Bring your lunch and join us at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum for our program series exploring the past and present of the Arsenal and 250 years of U.S. Army history.
With the entrance of the United States into World War I, the Army was thrust onto the world stage. Ad hoc reorganization pushed the Army across the threshold of an expeditionary force to an invaluable asset to the Entente Powers.
The program will be held in the Museum’s classroom, located at the back of the Museum.

America 250 - Colonialism
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 60 – 3500 North Ave., Rock Island, IL, 61299, United States
Join us as we explore the early history of our nation through the Army Sustainment Command’s “American 250” program series.

All programs will be in the Museum’s classroom. Feel free to bring your lunch.

America 250 - The French & Indian War
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 60 – 3500 North Ave., Rock Island, IL, 61299, United States

A Henry Farnam Evening at the Rogalski Center
2026-03-26 17:00 - 20:00 | St. Ambrose University Rogalski Center, 2101 Scott St, Davenport, IA, 52804, United States
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.

RIAHS Speaker Series
2026-04-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 60 – 3500 North Ave., Rock Island, IL, 61299, United States
RIAHS Speaker Series

Rock Island Arsenal Director Patrick Allie will lead a discussion of women during WWI who entered the workforce in never-before-seen numbers, and the war permeated every aspect of their lives. Special focus will be given to the women who came to work at Rock Island Arsenal during the war and the many firsts they marked.

ScheduleDinner begins at 5:30 PMPresentation begins at 6:00 PM
RefreshmentsFood and drinks will be available for purchase at the Lock and Dam Lounge.
Rock Island Arsenal AccessPlease ensure you have the appropriate approval to enter the Island. Learn more here.

America 250 - Roots of Revolution
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 60 – 3500 North Ave., Rock Island, IL, 61299, United States

America 250 - War For Freedom, The First Battles
2026-05-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 60 – 3500 North Ave., Rock Island, IL, 61299, United States

2026 Rock Island Arsenal Army Ball
2026-06-13 17:00 - 23:00 | Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St, Bettendorf, IA, 52722, United States
The Rock Island Arsenal Historical Society will host the Rock Island Arsenal Army Ball on June 13, 2026. The evening will commemorate the 251st birthday of the United States Army and honor its history, service, and traditions.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026Venue: Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf, Iowa
Additional event details, including program information and ticket availability, will be announced soon. Please save the date.
