University of Iowa's Mobile Museum to visit Allamakee County; school visits and public viewing opportunities being planned for this Thursday and Friday

The University of Iowa, in cooperation with the Allamakee County Historical Society and Effigy Mounds National Monument, announces the visit of the University of Iowa’s brand-new Mobile Museum to Allamakee County this Thursday and Friday, May 29 and 30.
The interactive Mobile Museum, which looks a bit like a “Class A” motorhome, is a museum-on-wheels that was constructed by Winnebago Industries in Forest City and features an array of exhibits that focus on three very different eras in Iowa’s history. "Iowa’s Ice Age Giants" explores the great mammals that roamed the state during the last ice age and their sudden extinction. "Glenwood: Iowa’s Ancient Agriculturalists" tells the story of the Glenwood culture centered in the Loess Hills and their connections to the Iowa landscape through agriculture.  "Cornerstones" focuses on the founding of Iowa and writing of its constitution, the building of the Old Capitol building, and the creation of the University of Iowa.
“We are so excited to be bringing the Mobile Museum to Allamakee County,” says State Archaeologist John Doershuk. “The sheer number and significance of the archaeological sites in northeast Iowa made a visit to Allamakee County a natural choice for one of the Museum’s maiden voyages. We are grateful that the Allamakee County Historical Society and Effigy Mounds National Monument were such willing partners in organizing our visit to the community.”
The museum also features an interactive digital wall that allows visitors to learn about The University of Iowa (UI) space research, the Santos Virtual Soldier program, and the UI Flood Center’s sophisticated flood-prediction mapping systems, as well as additional information on Iowa archaeology. The static displays will be cycled out of the mobile museum every few years to keep the information fresh for repeat visitors.
“This is a great opportunity to be part of something special,” says Effigy Mounds National Monument Superintendent Jim Nepstad. “I’m not surprised that the University of Iowa and the Office of the State Archaeologist decided to make their initial school visits with the Museum to this part of the state. The people of Allamakee and Clayton counties have a long and proud history of supporting the protection of special places. The creation of Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve are two outstanding examples of this stewardship vision. It’s great to see the state of Iowa highlighting and honoring this tradition.”
Thursday morning, May 29, the Museum will make a whistle-stop visit to Effigy Mounds National Monument where it will pick up a supporting cast of park rangers before making its first stop at Waterville Elementary School for an afternoon visit.  After school is out, the Museum will be repositioned to the Junior High/West Elementary parking lot in Waukon for a public open house beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. At approximately 7:30 p.m., staff from the Office of the State Archaeologist will be presenting a program entitled "The Archaeology of Northeast Iowa" in the Waukon Junior High School. The public is encouraged to attend both the open house and the program.
Friday morning, May 30, children from West Elementary School will experience the museum and after lunch the museum will be repositioned to the St. Patrick School in Waukon for its final stop on this visit.
“We are so pleased to be able to play a part in bringing this educational tool to Waukon and the surrounding community,” says Allamakee County Historical Society President Jim Garrett. “Our hope is that the Mobile Museum becomes a frequent and regular visitor to the County, and that in future visits additional schools can be added to the itinerary.”
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, including some in the shape of animals. The monument's main entrance is located three miles north of Marquette and 22 miles south of Waukon on HWY 76. For more information, call 563-873-3491, ext. 202 or visit the monument's website at www.nps.gov/efmo.