Hey Buddy, I'm Bill

Hey Buddy, I'm Bill promotional image

On display now in the Main Library Gallery:

Hey Buddy, I’m Bill tells the story of Bill Sackter, the namesake of Wild Bill’s (formerly Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop) in the University of Iowa School of Social Work. From his early life in Minneapolis to his 44-year institutionalization for an intellectual disability to his years of friends and fame in Iowa City, the exhibit shares a glimpse into Bill’s life and legacy. The exhibit also acknowledges some of Iowa’s own history with institutionalization and progress with disability rights, and places Bill’s story in the context of the historic treatment of people with disabilities. The exhibit not only tells how Bill’s life embodied the disability practices and perspectives of his time, but also how the national prominence of his life story helped America make progress toward better understanding and treatment of people with disabilities.

Curated by Jen Knights and Brad Ferrier, the exhibit features artifacts, documents, and ephemera from Bill’s life as well as ways for visitors to contribute stories about their own experiences with disability.

MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY HOURS:

Monday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission is always FREE. The exhibition will be open Aug. 21–Dec. 19, 2023.
Please note that the Main Library Gallery will be closed on the following University of Iowa holidays during the fall: Sept. 4 (Labor Day), Nov. 23-24 (Thanksgiving)

Because the Main Library Gallery is an educational space on campus, there may occasionally be classes visiting during open hours. Thank you for your understanding.

The easiest way to access the Main Library Gallery is via the north entrance of the Main Library. Find parking options here: lib.uiowa.edu/locations/main/parking

Saturday, August 26, 1:00pm to Tuesday, December 19, 2023 5:00pm
Sunday, August 27, 1:00pm to Wednesday, December 20, 2023 5:00pm
Saturday, September 2, 1:00pm to Tuesday, December 26, 2023 5:00pm
Sunday, September 3, 1:00pm to Wednesday, December 27, 2023 5:00pm
Saturday, September 9, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, January 2, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, September 10, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, January 3, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, September 16, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, January 9, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, September 17, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, January 10, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, September 23, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, January 16, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, September 24, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, January 17, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, September 30, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, January 23, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, October 1, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, January 24, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, October 7, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, January 30, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, October 8, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, October 14, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, February 6, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, October 15, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, February 7, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, February 13, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, October 22, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, February 14, 2024 5:00pm
Saturday, November 4, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, February 27, 2024 5:00pm
Sunday, November 5, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, February 28, 2024 6:00pm
Saturday, November 11, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, March 5, 2024 6:00pm
Sunday, November 12, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, March 6, 2024 6:00pm
Saturday, November 18, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, March 12, 2024 7:00pm
Sunday, November 19, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:00pm
Saturday, November 25, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:00pm
Sunday, November 26, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:00pm
Saturday, December 2, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, March 26, 2024 7:00pm
Sunday, December 3, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, March 27, 2024 7:00pm
Saturday, December 9, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, April 2, 2024 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, April 3, 2024 7:00pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 1:00pm to Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:00pm
Sunday, December 17, 2023 1:00pm to Wednesday, April 10, 2024 7:00pm
University of Iowa Main Library
Main Library Gallery
125 West Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52242
View on Event Calendar
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Sara Pinkham in advance at 319-467-1805 or sara-pinkham@uiowa.edu.