George Washington Carver Day to Celebrate Science, Creativity and Legacy in Des Moines

WHAT: Join the World Food Prize Foundation for a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver at the historical Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates
100 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

WHO: George Washington Carver Day Schedule of Events

• 9 a.m. Hall of Laureates Building Tour 1 (60 minutes)
• 9:30 a.m. In the Garden with Dr. Carver reading
• 10 a.m. Artist Talk 1: Larassa Kabel
• 10:30 a.m. Artist Talk 2: Rose Frantzen
• 11:15 a.m. Fireside Chat with Deidre DeJear and Senator Renee Hardman
• 12 p.m. George Washington Carver Inspired Snacks
  Simpson College Archive Carver items
• 1 p.m. Hall of Laureates Building Tour 2 (60 minutes)

WHY: Explore the extraordinary life of Dr. Carver, a polymath with a profound curiosity who delved into nature, science, art, music, poetry, debate, military science, athletics and religion. Born into slavery in Missouri around 1864, Dr. Carver's indomitable spirit led him to seek higher education in Iowa at Simpson College. He later transferred to Iowa State University, becoming the school's first Black student, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. After graduation, he further made history as Iowa State's first Black faculty member.

Despite facing adversity, Carver's legacy lives on. He received numerous honors, including election to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the Hall of Fame for Great Americans and an honorary doctorate from Iowa State. Carver's vision aimed to transform the ugly into the beautiful and the wasteful into the useful, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of "the poorest of God's creatures."

Each February, Iowans across the state honor and celebrate George Washington Carver's work ethic, inspiring innovation and his dedication to turning challenges into opportunities. Join the Foundation in honoring his legacy and empowering young minds to discover the extraordinary possibilities in science and life.