Farming Life and History
Event Details
8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, near intersection of Hwy 52 and Hwy 151
Event Description
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area will present a program on Farm Life and History at the Mines of Spain with – Gerda Preston Hartmann of Dubuque. Gerda is a local historian and is very knowledgeable on the Mines of Spain and other local history. The program is rescheduled from January when it was canceled due to a snowstorm. Gerda will speak on the history of agriculture and farming on the Mines of Spain property and land surrounding it. Gerda Preston grew up on the area and has done extensive research into the Preston family history and the history of the Mines of Spain before it was a recreation area. She will provide information about life generations ago. The Preston family Farm, where she lives today, is the second oldest continually operated family owned farm in the State of Iowa. With artifacts, tools, and other items she will tell the story of life in the 1800’s and 1900’s on a working farm. The Friends of the Mines of Spain has consulted with an exhibit firm to create a new exhibit about the Preston farm and other farms associated with the Mines of Spain. The new Farming Exhibit will be unveiled after the program. Other exhibits in the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center include information on the Otto Junkermann Farm Site, Julien Dubuque, Native Americans and more. The new farming exhibit will highlight and expand your interpretive and educational experience at the center.
The presentation will be held in the Auditorium and there will be a related activity for children in the lower level. In addition to the interpretive program, you will be able to experience the new traveling exhibit “Tallgrass Prairie of Iowa – Past, Present and Future”. The exhibit provides information on the prairie with children activities. The display will be at the center thru April 25. Visitors can also tour the rest of t he center, view the animals, and access the exhibits and gift shop during open hours! Trails are open 4am – 10:30pm. Visit and ask staff for a trail suggestion!
For more information about this program, other programs, or the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, please call the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at 563.556.0620 or www.minesofspain.org.
