Community Calendar

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Betty Strong Auditorium, Helen Lewis will share a fascinating exploration into “At Heart…A Westerner: Theodore Roosevelt’s Formation in the West.” Admission is free, but freewill donations encouraged.

Highly celebrated as leader of the Rough Riders and as twenty-sixth President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt attributed his physical stamina and strength of character, in large part, to his experiences in the Dakotas as ranch owner and hunter. However, the young Theodore Roosevelt fulfilled many other roles in the West, which not only prepared him for his later rigorous public service, but which also influenced his own ideals of manhood. With courage and persistence, “Four Eyes” Roosevelt, the Dude from the East, transformed himself into a cowboy respected in the West. Lewis uses photos and stories, many by Roosevelt himself, to explore the conversion of New York urbanite Theodore Roosevelt into a Dakota ranchman.

Helen Lewis, retired instructor at Western Iowa Tech Community College, taught courses in English and Humanities. Her special interests include westerns, women artists, medieval mysteries, and square dancing. Originally with the Great Plains Chautauqua Society, Lewis continues to offer many programs for Humanities Iowa and Nebraska Humanities.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center received a grant award from Humanities Iowa, a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in support of the Humanities Series programs.

An open house featuring the Victorian-era mansion begins at 5 p.m. A special presentation on the History of the Mansion will be presented in the mansion at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. by Haley Aguirre, Archival Clerk.

The public is invited to these free activities.

How was Sioux City paired with Giljan, Kosovo, as a sister city? Why does Kosovo have a strong relationship with Iowa specifically, and the United States in general? How did our Declaration of Independence inspire Kosovar freedom? Explore these questions and more during History at High Noon: History at High Noon: Kosovo, US & Iowa – Partners in Peace, presented by the Sioux City Public Museum in partnership with WIT Lifelong Learning on Thursday, June 18 at 12:05 p.m. at the Western Iowa Tech Community College campus.

Celebrating Freedom and Legacy:
Juneteenth 2026 and the 75th Anniversary of the Sanford Center