Quad Cities Archives Fair

This event is free and open to the public. No tickets required.

Experience the history of the Quad Cities by visiting with the cultural and historical organizations from around the region! Visit tables to learn about unique collections and services, listen to talks on historical topics, and discover hidden gems of the Quad Cities. Collect freebies from exhibitors, enjoy light refreshments, and enter to win our door prizes.

Program
Brick by Brick: The Legacy of the Old Rock Island YMCA
Presented by John Brassard Jr.
1:30 PM and 3:00 PM 

Discover the riveting history behind one of Rock Island’s most iconic buildings with historian and storyteller John Brassard Jr. Dive deep into the YMCA’s history and travel from its beginnings in the early 20th century as a refuge for travelers, soldiers, and citizens looking for purpose and connection through years of scandal, intrigue, and even murder.

Whether you’re a history lover or fascinated by true crime, this talk offers a gripping look at how one building mirrored some of the best and worst elements of Rock Island itself.  

About John Brassard Jr.
John Brassard Jr. is the author, host, and podcaster behind the Strange and Dreadful Things brand. Since 2016, he has soared to ever greater heights and plumbed the darkest depths of history to bring you the stories that your grandma didn’t want to tell you. For more of his content, please visit: The Kitchen Table Historian.

This year's venue is the Haunted Rock Island Roadhouse, aka the old YMCA. Now owned and operated as Dan Vinar Furniture Company by the Vinar Family. Lisa Vinar will be offering tours of the building after the event for $10 per person. Tours will run roughly from 4pm-5pm. Learn the history of the building, see where John Looney and his crew hung out, and explore some of the paranormal legends that haunt the building. 

Unfortunately the building is NOT handicap accessible. For inquiries and questions about accessibility, call Dan Vinar Furniture at 309-788-8888. For questions about the event, contact clare@gahc.org or kwhalen@davenportlibrary.com.

Participating exhibitors include:

• Augustana College Special Collections

• Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archives

• Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House

• Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation 

• Davenport School Museum

• German American Heritage Center and Museum

• Lydia Bookmobile - 1925 replica of the first bookmobile in Iowa

• Mississippi Spoon Gallery

• Palmer College of Chiropractic--Special Collections and Archives

• Putnam Museum and Science Center

• QC PastPort

• Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center

• Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society

• Scott Community College Archives

• Scott County Historic Preservation Society

• St. Ambrose University Archives

• St. Ambrose University Art History & Museum Studies Department

• Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College

• Vasa Order of America National Archive

• Vintage Audio Restoration

• Scottish American Society of Quad Cities