Farm House Museum
February – October 2025
Women’s Domestic Artistries invites visitors to view historical craft traditions of the Civil War and Victorian Era. The art and crafts featured in this exhibition serve as touchpoints in a long history of female artistic production and tradition, tracing the histories of gender norms, creativity, expression, and identity of women as leaders in the creation of objects for home decoration, commemoration, art, and meaning in their lives.
The exhibition will highlight domestic artistries produced by women from 1860 through 1910 including quilting, tramp art, mourning art / hair work, illustration, sewing, pottery, painting, taxidermy and more through primary source objects from the permanent collection.
Exhibition Programs
Find full descriptions of programs on the University Museums Calendar. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless noted. Events listed below will be at the Farm House Museum (601 Farmhouse Lane, Ames, Iowa) unless otherwise noted. Times are Central Standard Time. Programs are subject to change. Check the University Museums Calendar and Facebook page for the latest events information.
Museum Meetup: Women’s Domestic Artistries
September 18, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (US Central)
Location: Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane
Home is where the heart is – and it’s also where the art is! Come to the Farm House Museum to create quilt patterns and learn embroidery inspired by the current exhibition, Women’s Domestic Artistries. Free treats provided.
Curator’s Tour: Arsenic and Old Lace
October 2, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (US Central)
Location: Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane
Victorian life was full of poisons – from arsenic and strychnine to cyanide. Roll up those lacey sleeves to delve beyond the beauty into the more dangerous side of the Victorian household with Farm House Museum curator Allison Sheridan. In conjunction with the current exhibition Women’s Domestic Artistries: 1860-1910.
Prussian Blue: A Victorian Cyanotype Workshop
October 21, 2025, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (US Central)
Location: Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane
Cyanotype printmaking is a technique steeped in a fascinating history of scientific discovery, creative rebellion, and feminist artistry from the Victorian Era. Learn about the history of cyanotypes and create your own during this 3-hour come-and-go workshop.
Visit the Farm House Museum
Hours: Monday–Friday, noon–4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday, and University holidays & breaks
Click here to see when the museums are closed.
Address: 601 Farm House Lane, Ames, Iowa
Admission: The cost is free; however, there is a suggested donation of $8.
Funding for the exhibition and associated programming is generously provided by Carol Pletcher.