May 21, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Did you know in the early railroad era, Council Bluffs was the 5th largest rail center in the country? In this interactive class, discover fascinating facts and the moments that made your hometown what it is today! This class examines why we had such a railroad dominance and how the impact of that is still felt today! The mood in Council Bluffs at the close of the 19th Century was euphoric with the pervasive feeling our growth was unstoppable; the national economy revolved around railroads, and we had more of them than just about anywhere else.  

Class taught by Richard Warner and Troy Stolp. Richard Warner serves as the president of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and vice president of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society. Troy Stolp serves on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.

June 11, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:00pm

At the turn of the 19th Century the Chamber of Commerce was saying Council Bluffs was unstoppable. By the middle of the century our Chamber president called us “The Appalachia of Iowa." How could we go from first to worst in sixty years or less? It's a great story! The class ends on a positive note as we talk about the Iowa West Foundation era and our new position as a growing center of cultural enlightenment and a great place to live!

Class taught by Richard Warner and Troy Stolp. Richard Warner serves as the president of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and vice president of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society. Troy Stolp serves on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.