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  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • Everyday Lives, Extraordinary Voices: Ruth Suckow’s Iowa
    • 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

Volunteer

Volunteer with us

Learn about the Museum

You can make a difference!

Explore our opportunities

Whether it’s greeting visitors, serving on a committee, or helping with special events, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers are a vital part of the museum’s existence.

There are many opportunities to get involved at the German American Heritage Center and Museum. We’re always looking for friendly faces to help in the museum and with our many programs and events. Spend some time doing something you enjoy for the sake of our shared community!

Thinking About Getting Involved?
Share some basic contact information and what you are interested in volunteering for and we’ll be in touch!
Email Aaron Baker at [email protected] or call 563-322-8844.

Front Desk Volunteers

As a front desk volunteer, you’ll be the first to welcome guests to the museum! Take admission tickets, help with wayfinding, share happenings, answer questions, and assist with stocking items in our gift shop. This opportunity is available Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For questions and further information, please contact Aaron Baker at [email protected].

Special Event Volunteers

We rely on volunteers to help with our special events throughout the year. 

We host a variety of fun and fascinating events each year ranging from our annual Oktoberfest, Best of the Wurst, VW Car Show, Vendor Fairs, and more. Our events bring culture and community together while raising funds for the museum. These events would not be possible without the help of our volunteers.

For questions and further information, please contact Aaron Baker at [email protected].

Join a Committee

We have numerous committees that are constantly working on new ideas to improve and make decisions on behalf of the museum. 

Participate in one of our many committees and bring your perspective and expertise to our organization. Committees typically meet every 8 weeks.

Our current committees:

  • Programming Committee
  • Building and Grounds Committee
  • Marketing Committee
  • Events Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Governance Committee

For questions and further information, please contact Kirk Marske at [email protected].

Join our Board of Directors

Looking to be involved in a more meaningful way? Consider joining our Board of Directors to be a part of decision-making that makes a long-lasting impact on our organization. 

Join our board of directors and bring your diverse skill set and perspective to the GAHC+M. The Board of Directors meets every 8 weeks and makes strategic decisions for the short- and long-term sustainability of the museum.

For further information and a board application, please contact Kirk Marske at [email protected].

"Museums like the GAHC+M help bring people together on common ground, provide insight into the past, and allow for creativity and growth both mentally and spiritually.”
Lee M.
Lee M.
"Volunteering has given me the opportunity to be a part of living history and reminding people of the forgotten. History feels so much more real when you’re standing on or near the location where these events took place."
LaDella G.
LaDella G.
"Being involved in the program committee is a creative outlet. I get to brainstorm like mad with other people. Nothing's off the table. I can dream. I can make connections. I can learn. I can influence. I can support. I can admire. I can make a little bit of difference.”
Hedy H.
Hedy H.
"In addition to giving you purpose, you are learning new skills, meeting new people, and making a difference in an organization. The staff keeps me well informed, asks for input and ideas, and makes me feel valued.”
Donna P.
Donna P.
"Volunteering enriches one's life and provides a purposeful role in the community. The cultural enrichment that comes from volunteering promotes empathy and a deeper appreciation of civilization and our heritage.“
Chris S.
Chris S.

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German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

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

Open
The German American Heritage Center and Museum and The Last Picture House are happy to present, “The Lost Years of German Cinema” every Wednesday this September. Check out the full schedule and get tickets through our website, link in the comments.

The German American Heritage Center and Museum and The Last Picture House are happy to present, “The Lost Years of German Cinema” every Wednesday this September. Check out the full schedule and get tickets through our website, link in the comments. …

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.
…

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
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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

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