The History Center provides educational programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our programs take place at The History Center located in the historic Douglas Mansion in Cedar Rapids. County-wide programming is also available for Linn County schools outside of Cedar Rapids. 

 

Programs may be scheduled by contacting Group Tour & Sales Coordinator, Clara Petri at office@historycenter.org or (319) 362-1501.

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Early Learners - Kindergarten & First Grade: Puppet Program 
Students will embark on a journey through different historical topics such as then and now. They will have the opportunity to share their own personal history with CeCe Rabbit, The History Center’s beloved puppet ambassador. Additionally, students will delve into the world of children’s play using vintage toys, connecting the past with the present. 

Second & Third Grade: Museum Tours
Our program offers a diverse and interactive experience. Students will participate in a rotating schedule of four, 15-minute stations. They will explore the history of the Douglas Mansion, discover how children played using vintage toys, engage in artifact exploration, and enjoy time exploring our captivating galleries. 

Fourth through Sixth Grade: Downtown Cedar Rapids Walking Tours
This walking tour is a fantastic opportunity to view and learn about the oldest section of Cedar Rapids. The tour covers the evolution of the city center, its vibrant retail history as “Eastern Iowa’s Shopping Center”, the significance of the railroads and streetcars, and insights into the iconic Greene Square area. 

Middle and High School: Archives for Exploratory Minds
The History Center's archives are open to the public, and they offer a treasure trove of historical information waiting to be discovered. From Linn County’s rich history to invaluable family records and newspaper archives, these resources can be accessed by appointment. Imagine the potential for a class trip, where your students can immerse themselves in researching their chosen topics, igniting a passion for historical investigation. 

Linn There, Done That! A Virtual Journey through Time
Imagine your students embarking on a virtual tour of historic Linn County sites, witnessing the evolution of prominent locations through archived videos, photographs, and more.  

Hear it from the Source - Oral History Interviews
Experience history firsthand through the words of Linn County residents. Our collection of interview transcripts and DVDs allow your students to listen to captivating memories and stories from individuals who have built their history in Linn County. 

In addition to these programs, The History Center is pleased to offer a variety of engaging activities such as walking tours and historian presentations that explore specific neighborhoods and topics, with the goal of providing dynamic and interactive avenues for middle and high school students to learn about local history.

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The program fee is $6.00 per student. Program fees are currently covered by our generous education sponsors, making these programs free of charge to Linn County schools.

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