Events

 April 18, 2026

The annual meeting of the Putnam County Historical Society will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 6 pm in the Meeting House at 403 Old Highway 26 in Hennepin. We are pleased to feature dinner and a Chautauqua-style program by Brian “Fox” Ellis as John Adams, Architect of our American Independence. This hour-long program includes a series of true stories from the founding of our country with each short story followed by a question the audience will discuss about what it means to be an American. John Adams will share the history of what steps led up to the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, then lead a discussion about our rights and responsibilities, our shared history and a hopeful future.

Fox is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist. He has worked with The Denver Museum of Science and Nature, The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The Field Museum and dozens of other museums across the country. Fox is a frequent keynote speaker at regional and international conferences including the International Wetlands Conservation Conference, National Science Teachers Association Conference and the North American Prairie Conservation Conference, et al. He has also hosted, produced, researched and written several documentaries for PBS. He is the author of more than 30 books.

We are excited to bring Fox and this program to Putnam County. Tickets can be purchased from any Historical Society board member. You can also reach out directly to Karen Bailey at (815) 303-7114 or Dan Bruch at (815) 780-7970. Cost is $25 per person and includes dinner.

May 4, 2026

Putnam County Elementary School Fourth Graders visit Pulsifer House and the Ag Museum. (May 15 rain date.)

August 9, 2026

Pulsifer House and Ag Museum Open House. Lunch stand available. (Hours: 11-2)

Check back frequently for future programs.

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