Young Writers’ Workshop

How does where you come from enrich your writing? Find out when you join the Young Writers’ Workshop. The Young Writers’ Workshop is a three-day workshop for middle and high school students (entering 7th to 12th grades) held at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Using the museum collection for ideas and inspiration, aspiring writers will work with museum staff to craft short historical fiction pieces focusing on Iowa’s rich past. During the three days (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day), students will take a tour of the museum’s collection vault, discover the story behind an artifact and weave the past into fiction that reflects you as a writer while honing their historical research and writing skills in a unique environment. Perfect for young creatives ready to bring their stories and history to life!

Join author and freelance writer Megan Bannister—creator of Iowa Supper Clubs (released by Arcadia Publishing in 2020) and Secret Iowa: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (released by Reedy Press in 2023)—for three inspiring days of creativity, storytelling, and hands-on exploration.
Aspiring writers will uncover unique stories from Iowa’s past and craft their own historical fiction using real artifacts and museum resources.

Length: 3 days

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day.

Age Range: 13-18 years old

Grades: Entering 7th-12th Grade

Price: $200 per person