Skip to content
  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy
    • Shaped By Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Blog
    • Travel
    • Stammtisch
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
  • Private Events
  • Donate
  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy
    • Shaped By Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Blog
    • Travel
    • Stammtisch
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
  • Private Events
  • Donate

Past Exhibitions

Past Exhibitions

View our past exhibitions

We are happy to bring new, fresh, exhibitions to the museum multiple times a year. Scroll below to view our past exhibtions.

Past Exhibtions

Some of our exhibitions are available for rental. To inquire about borrowing an original exhibition from the GAHC+M, contact [email protected].

+ Available for rental

+ Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy January 17 – August 2, 2026

Violins of Hope February 28 – April 26, 2026

The Prints of David and Sarojini Johnson July 19th, 2025 – January 4th, 2026

German Expressionist Prints from the Johnson Collection  June 21st – December 14th, 2025

What’s New? Recent Acquisitions to the Collection February 15 – June 1, 2025

With You, I Am Myself January 12 – April 6, 2025

Beer Beyond Germany: History of Brewing in the Quad Cities June 2 – October 20, 2024

Immigration Then and Now: Finding Refuge in the Quad Cities May 26 – September 15, 2024

Sweet Treats: German Influence on the QC Candy Industry March 5 – May 19, 2024

Breaking Barriers: Walls Throughout History February 6- May 5, 2024

Art from the Archives September 10, 2023 – February 18, 2024

Klassiks for Kinder: German Toys with Joy August 13th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024

Los Desconocidos: The Migrant Quilt Project May 30th – August 27th, 2023

Todos Somos Luchadores Inmigrantes – We Are All Immigrant Warriors  June 13th– August 27th, 2023

Neighbors to the North: German Influence in New Ulm, Minnesota March 12th – July 30th, 2023

+ Preserving a Dyeing Art: German Blueprint September 18th, 2022 – May 21st, 2023

The White Rose Student Resistance Against Hitler: Munich, 1942-43 October 2nd, 2022 – February 26th, 2023

Witness to the Holocaust: The Mattes Family Letters October 16th-November 27th, 2022

Our Neighbors, Our Friends: Unsere Nachbarn, Unsere Freunde February 18th – September 18th, 2022

+ Hidden Habsburgs: Immigrants in Iowa, 1846-1868 April 24th – August 28th, 2022

Jugendstil: Art for All July 11th, 2021 – January 9th, 2022

Power Frauen February 16th – June 14th, 2020

GoldCoast Glass: Works from the German Home November 3rd, 2019 – January 12th, 2020

Better than Sliced Bread: German Scientists and Inventors June 9th – October 27th, 2019

An Austrian Overture: Classical Composers May 19th – September 15th 2019

Click HERE to join our newsletter

ON INSTAGRAM
  • Follow Us!

German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

1,424 1,848

Museum exploring the German immigrant experience and history of Davenport and Iowa!

Open
Deutschland to Davenport Part 6! Did you know we have some pieces in the museum's collection made from hair? Yes, human hair. 💇‍♀️
In the Victorian period, it was fairly common to use hair to make keepsake items of loved ones or memorials after a loved one has passed. These were as simple as watch chains and elaborate as full sized framed wreaths that are works of art. 
As photography became more accessible and popular, the hair work fell out of practice. Now, some people find it "creepy" but others appreciate the work and detail that went into these pieces.
What mementos do you keep from your loved ones?

Deutschland to Davenport Part 6! Did you know we have some pieces in the museum`s collection made from hair? Yes, human hair. 💇‍♀️
In the Victorian period, it was fairly common to use hair to make keepsake items of loved ones or memorials after a loved one has passed. These were as simple as watch chains and elaborate as full sized framed wreaths that are works of art.
As photography became more accessible and popular, the hair work fell out of practice. Now, some people find it "creepy" but others appreciate the work and detail that went into these pieces.
What mementos do you keep from your loved ones?
…

Open
Deutschland to Davenport Part 5: The story of Gretja Stoltenberg Hahn is one of our favorites! You can learn more about Gretja in our passport experience kiosks throughout our permanent exhibition.

Deutschland to Davenport Part 5: The story of Gretja Stoltenberg Hahn is one of our favorites! You can learn more about Gretja in our passport experience kiosks throughout our permanent exhibition. …

Open
Have you ever wanted to share your love of history, connect with visitors, and help bring our exhibits to life?  Become a museum docent to help make our visitors' experience more memorable! 

Docents help transform quiet galleries into dynamic learning spaces with opportunity for dialogue. If you love to learn, tell stories, and are excited about local history, being a docent might be a great fit for you. 

As a docent, you’ll help lead tours, engage with visitors, share the stories that shaped our community, and help preserve our history for future generations.

Training will be provided through three 2-hour sessions beginning in September, with dates scheduled around participant availability.

To get started, complete our online interest form: https://forms.gle/pn9cnSdv7VZ4aioG7

For more information, contact our Education Coordinator at aaron@gahc.org

Have you ever wanted to share your love of history, connect with visitors, and help bring our exhibits to life? Become a museum docent to help make our visitors` experience more memorable!

Docents help transform quiet galleries into dynamic learning spaces with opportunity for dialogue. If you love to learn, tell stories, and are excited about local history, being a docent might be a great fit for you.

As a docent, you’ll help lead tours, engage with visitors, share the stories that shaped our community, and help preserve our history for future generations.

Training will be provided through three 2-hour sessions beginning in September, with dates scheduled around participant availability.

To get started, complete our online interest form: https://forms.gle/pn9cnSdv7VZ4aioG7

For more information, contact our Education Coordinator at [email protected]
…

Open
🎉 Alles Gute zum Geburtstag an GAHC+M! Follow our intern, Bella, as she bakes a Schokoladentorte from Mary Hahn Praktisches Kochbuch published in 1952.

On August 1st, 1994 the German American Hertiage Center was established as a non-profit organization. After 32 years, we have restored the building into a museum, and now offer programs, special exhibitions, events, and so much more to preseve the German immigrant stories that formed our community in Davenport. Share your favorite recipes or memories with us in the comments! ⬇️

🎉 Alles Gute zum Geburtstag an GAHC+M! Follow our intern, Bella, as she bakes a Schokoladentorte from Mary Hahn Praktisches Kochbuch published in 1952.

On August 1st, 1994 the German American Hertiage Center was established as a non-profit organization. After 32 years, we have restored the building into a museum, and now offer programs, special exhibitions, events, and so much more to preseve the German immigrant stories that formed our community in Davenport. Share your favorite recipes or memories with us in the comments! ⬇️
…

Open
Deutschland to Davenport: Part 4 -- GAHC+M's washing machines!

Deutschland to Davenport: Part 4 — GAHC+M`s washing machines! …

Open
Do you know the history of Voss washing machines? Part 3 of Deutschland to Davenport offers a deep dive into the life and invention of Wilhelm Voss.

Do you know the history of Voss washing machines? Part 3 of Deutschland to Davenport offers a deep dive into the life and invention of Wilhelm Voss. …

Open
☀️ There is only 1 weekend left to enjoy free admission to the German American Heritage Center and Museum in July!

Explore our historic building and discover the stories of German immigrants that settled right here in the Quad Cities. We also have two rotating exhibitions including "Shaped by Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States."

The German American Heritage Center and Museum and the @figgeartmuseum are proud to offer free admission for the entire month of July. Free admission is possibly through the generosity of Cal and Jill Werner.

☀️ There is only 1 weekend left to enjoy free admission to the German American Heritage Center and Museum in July!

Explore our historic building and discover the stories of German immigrants that settled right here in the Quad Cities. We also have two rotating exhibitions including "Shaped by Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States."

The German American Heritage Center and Museum and the @figgeartmuseum are proud to offer free admission for the entire month of July. Free admission is possibly through the generosity of Cal and Jill Werner.
…

Open
There's only a few more architecture walking tours left this summer! Learn where German immigrants, lived, worked, and created a community in Downtown Davenport and the Gold Coast Historic District. Our walking tours share details of residents' personal lives, as well as notable architectural styles found along the route. Tours are $10 per person, last approximately 2 hours and are 1.5 miles long. Register online or give us a call at 563-322-8844 x0 to sign up.
Upcoming tour dates: July 25, August 8, August 22, September 5

There`s only a few more architecture walking tours left this summer! Learn where German immigrants, lived, worked, and created a community in Downtown Davenport and the Gold Coast Historic District. Our walking tours share details of residents` personal lives, as well as notable architectural styles found along the route. Tours are $10 per person, last approximately 2 hours and are 1.5 miles long. Register online or give us a call at 563-322-8844 x0 to sign up.
Upcoming tour dates: July 25, August 8, August 22, September 5
…

VISIT US

German American Heritage Center & Museum
712 W 2nd St.
Davenport, IA 52802

HOURS

Tuesdays – Saturdays open 10 am – 4 pm
Sundays open 12 – 4 pm
Closed Mondays
STAY CONNECTED
Instagram Facebook-f Twitter
Sign Up for our Newsletter
German American Heritage Center & Museum
712 W 2nd St.
Davenport, IA 52802
Tuesdays – Saturdays open 10 am – 4 pm
Sundays open 12 – 4 pm
Closed Mondays

Newsletter

Subscribe to get all latest news, updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.