George Washington Carver Day Celebration

GeorgeWashingtonCarverDay

The George Washington Carver Day Celebration is a collaborative effort between Simpson College and Indianola community members. We work together to bring to life the rich history of Simpson College Alumni and past Indianola resident, George Washington Carver.

join us for our three-day celebration

All Events are Free and Open to the Public

Thursday, February 1

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Carver Birthplace Association Speakers | Hubbell Hall, Simpson College
- Learn about George Washington Carver's early years and the current restoration his first formal school, the 1872 Neosho Colored School.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Present Carver Artifacts | Matthew Simpson Room, Simpson College

Friday, February 2

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Symposium: Innovations in Food Production | Hubbell Hall, Simpson College
- Moderated by Dave Price, Iowa Political Director – Gray Television; Editor, American Farmland Owner.
- Featuring Panelists:
  - Dr. George Annor, General Mills Endowed Professor in Cereal Chemistry and Technology, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota
  - Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, 2009 World Food Prize Laureate; Distinguished Professor, Plant Breeding and Genetics, and International Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Purdue University; Executive Director, Purdue Center for Global Food Security.
  - Dr. Rosalind James, Midwest Area Director, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Carver Artifacts Presentation | Matthew Simpson Room, Simpson College
- Showing of the film featured at the George Washington Carver National Monument
- Display of Carver-inspired work produced by the Indianola School District
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Peanut Beer for Sale | West Hill Brewery
- Formal toast to the memory of George Washington Carver’s time in Indianola at 5 p.m.

Saturday, February 3

All the following activities take place on the Indianola Square from 10 a.m. to noon.

Cocoa for Kids & Plant a Seed—Watch It Grow at Uncommon Grounds (south side)
- Grab a cup of cocoa and plant a few seeds to take home.
  - Sponsored by Warren County Historical Society & Museum, Warren County Historic Preservation Commission and Hy-Vee & Iowa State Extension & Outreach.
Make a Fresh Flower Pocket Posey at Mason Ouderkirk Law Office (north side)
- Carver always wore a flower in his jacket label, you can too!
  - Sponsored by Indianola Park Friends and Maddie Kampf Science Classes, Irving School
Storytime & Special Exhibit at Corner Sundry (west side)
- Storytimes at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30 a.m. with songs in-between and trunk exhibit from Carver National Birthplace Monument Park
  - Sponsored by Indianola Public Library.
Circle ‘Round The Square Scavenger Hunt at Region Bank Hallway (east side)
- Pick-up the clues and start your treasure hunt.
  - Sponsored by Indianola Parks & Recreation
Tasty Carver Treat & Photo Display at Savor the Rise & Pageturners (southeast corner & east)
- Special treat for kids using Carver recipe, photos of downtown Indianola when George Carver was a student and books available for purchase
  - Sponsored by Indianola Independent-Advocate
Movie & Special Exhibit at Salem Connection (west of southwest corner)
- 20-minute film following Carver’s life - Runtimes: 10:15, 11:00, 11:45 and artwork by Indianola and George Washington Carver School students
  - Sponsored by Indianola Independent-Advocate and Simpson College