Skip to content
  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • German Expressionist Prints
    • Immigrant Innovators: The Fruehauf Trailer Company
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Travel
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Private Events
  • Donate
  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • German Expressionist Prints
    • Immigrant Innovators: The Fruehauf Trailer Company
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Travel
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Private Events
  • Donate

About Us

Mission

The mission of the German American Heritage Center is to preserve and enrich for present and future generations knowledge of the German immigrant experience and its impact on American culture.

Vision

Our focus is cultural programs and immigrant contributions. We reach out to other cultural groups and demonstrate the contributions made by immigrants from many countries and from varied backgrounds to the ethnic palette which is the United States.

Miller’s Hotel c. 1870

History

In the mid-to-late 1800s millions of German citizens left their homeland and settled as immigrants in the United States. The 1900 U.S. Census documented that over half the citizens in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota were German immigrants or their descendants. Scott County, where the first passenger railroad crossed the Mississippi River, was the entry point for many immigrants to the upper Midwest region and points west. In 1900, Joseph Eiboeck, a veteran German newspaperman, described Davenport as, “the most German city, not only in the State, but in all the Middle West, the center of all German activities in the State.”

Founded on August 1, 1994 as a private, not-for-profit organization, the German American Heritage Center (GAHC) seeks to preserve the heritage of our German speaking ancestors for present and future generations and to enrich our knowledge of the German immigrant experience.

Today GAHC, a National Historic Site, has evolved a museum that includes a large permanent exhibit and two rotating special exhibits. Within the permanent exhibit, visitors enjoy an orientation theater, six education stations, and two restored hotel rooms. Visitors enjoy an interactive experience as you learn about immigrants’ journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the German American Heritage Center building, which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s. One of the highlights in the exhibit is called “Step into my Shoes.” Visitors will find footprints of a child, woman, and man at this section. They can step on any set of the footprints, which then triggers the corresponding character to appear before them on a screen and talk about their personal experience as an immigrant. Throughout this exhibition and the two rotating temporary exhibitions, visitors enjoy exploring many artifacts on display. The museum also provides educational programs, workshops, and classes relating to the German American experience and culture; assists in the coordination of festivals to foster an understanding of German American heritage; provides for cultural exchange through genealogy workshops and production of cultural presentations to the public; and partners with other heritage groups on programs, exhibits, and events.

The GAHC building was built in the 1860s, and was originally the Standard Hotel where thousands of German immigrants stayed in the 1800s when they arrived in the area. The building was purchased in 1995, partially restored in 1999, and reopened to the public in May, 2000. In October 2009, GAHC debuted a newly expanded space including a new large interactive permanent exhibit called the “German Immigrant Experience,” two traveling exhibit spaces, and large program facilities. GAHC offers several new programs based on the new permanent exhibit and two new temporary exhibit spaces.

The German immigrant experience is an integral part of the history and fabric of life in Iowa, in the region and in the nation. The German American Heritage Center (GAHC) was formed in 1994 to document and celebrate this heritage.

The Germania House was among the earliest of many “Gast Haus” buildings in the area. This structure is the last remaining immigrant hotel of that period in the region and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The GAHC saved the building from deterioration and potential demolition by raising $1.3 million to restore the exterior of the building and to restore the first and second floors of the four story building for use as a historical center. That work to save this historic treasure and to utilize it as the German American Heritage Center was completed in 2004.

For its collection, the German American Heritage Center and Museum considers gifts of objects and archives materials related to German and German-American culture or history, including:

  • Objects brought by German immigrants, preferably before 1920.
  • Objects made or used by German immigrants in the United States.
  • Other objects made or used in the United States which represent the German-American experience.
  • Photographs related to German-American history and experience.
  • Archival material related directly to the history and operation of German American Heritage Center and Museum.

 

Unfortunately due to limited space capacity we are very selective when accepting donations. We are unable to accept any books or bibles at this time.

ON INSTAGRAM
  • Follow Us!

German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

1,250 1,550

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

Open
🎆 The museum will be closed on Friday July 4th in observance of Independence Day. 

Have a safe and fun holiday! We will be back open regular hours on Saturday.

🎆 The museum will be closed on Friday July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

Have a safe and fun holiday! We will be back open regular hours on Saturday.
…

Open
Haven't been to the museum before or has it been a while? Need something to do with out-of-town guests or kids on summer break? We are thrilled to offer FREE ADMISSION for the entire month of July! 

With new exhibitions including, "German Expressionist Prints," and "The Prints of David and Sarojini Johnson," along with our permanent exhibition, "The German Immigrant Experience," there is something for all ages and interest levels. Or just come take a look out of our 4th floor windows and take in a beautiful view of downtown Davenport and the Mississippi River.

Thank you to Cal and Jill Werner for making Free Admission in July possible.

Haven`t been to the museum before or has it been a while? Need something to do with out-of-town guests or kids on summer break? We are thrilled to offer FREE ADMISSION for the entire month of July!

With new exhibitions including, "German Expressionist Prints," and "The Prints of David and Sarojini Johnson," along with our permanent exhibition, "The German Immigrant Experience," there is something for all ages and interest levels. Or just come take a look out of our 4th floor windows and take in a beautiful view of downtown Davenport and the Mississippi River.

Thank you to Cal and Jill Werner for making Free Admission in July possible.
…

Open
Wow!
In 2024, we raised over $41,000 through Birdies for Charity! As of June 25, 2025, we have just over $34,000 pledged to the GAHC+M through Birdies for charity. Our goal for this year is to reach $42,000.

If you have already given, we express our sincere gratitude for your gift this year. If you have not given yet, consider giving a gift in any amount to help support our mission and ensure we are here for generations to come.

If you give through Birdies for Charity by July 4th, your gift will be matched 5-10%, adding to the impact you can make for present and future generations.

HOW TO DONATE:
MAIL - Send us a check made out to "Birdies for Charity"
ONLINE - Visit https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=1002#/

Wow!
In 2024, we raised over $41,000 through Birdies for Charity! As of June 25, 2025, we have just over $34,000 pledged to the GAHC+M through Birdies for charity. Our goal for this year is to reach $42,000.

If you have already given, we express our sincere gratitude for your gift this year. If you have not given yet, consider giving a gift in any amount to help support our mission and ensure we are here for generations to come.

If you give through Birdies for Charity by July 4th, your gift will be matched 5-10%, adding to the impact you can make for present and future generations.

HOW TO DONATE:
MAIL – Send us a check made out to "Birdies for Charity"
ONLINE – Visit https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=1002#/
…

Open
Cruise the Historic Rhine June 2026!

This is the LAST CHANCE to book our river cruise trip with FREE AIRFARE from the Quad Cities Airport. This offer is only good through Monday June 30th, 2025. There are still a few spaces left, but the free air offer expires tomorrow. 

Contact Linda Meadors from Blue Horizon Travel at 309-235-5806 or linda@bluehorizon.net.

For 10 days, cruise along the beautiful Rhine from Amsterdam to Lucerne, exploring all of the history, landscapes, cultures, and more on a gorgeous Emerald Cruise Star Ship.

Learn more about the trip and see the full itinerary here: https://gahc.org/travel/

Cruise the Historic Rhine June 2026!

This is the LAST CHANCE to book our river cruise trip with FREE AIRFARE from the Quad Cities Airport. This offer is only good through Monday June 30th, 2025. There are still a few spaces left, but the free air offer expires tomorrow.

Contact Linda Meadors from Blue Horizon Travel at 309-235-5806 or [email protected].

For 10 days, cruise along the beautiful Rhine from Amsterdam to Lucerne, exploring all of the history, landscapes, cultures, and more on a gorgeous Emerald Cruise Star Ship.

Learn more about the trip and see the full itinerary here: https://gahc.org/travel/
…

Open
Our Historic Summer Walking Tours kickoff this weekend! Our tours start downtown at our historic building and explore the homes and businesses of the German immigrants who lived and worked here. Learn their stories, explore history of Davenport, and appreciate the amazing architecture of the Gold Coast homes.

Tours are $10 per person and are around 1.5 miles over a 2 hour time span. Register online in our bio or call 563-322-8844. 

Upcoming tour dates: 
June 14, 28
July 12, 26
August 9, 23

https://events.humanitix.com/summer-walking-tours

Our Historic Summer Walking Tours kickoff this weekend! Our tours start downtown at our historic building and explore the homes and businesses of the German immigrants who lived and worked here. Learn their stories, explore history of Davenport, and appreciate the amazing architecture of the Gold Coast homes.

Tours are $10 per person and are around 1.5 miles over a 2 hour time span. Register online in our bio or call 563-322-8844.

Upcoming tour dates:
June 14, 28
July 12, 26
August 9, 23

https://events.humanitix.com/summer-walking-tours
…

Open
Our next Kaffee und Kuchen is this Sunday! Russ Baldner will join us and share the incredible history and architecture of Dresden. 

This program will be offered both in-person and virtually. Register online here: https://events.humanitix.com/kaffee-und-kuchen-dresden-a-royal-saxon-jewel

Our next Kaffee und Kuchen is this Sunday! Russ Baldner will join us and share the incredible history and architecture of Dresden.

This program will be offered both in-person and virtually. Register online here: https://events.humanitix.com/kaffee-und-kuchen-dresden-a-royal-saxon-jewel
…

Open
Downtown Davenport Lemonade Sip N' Shop:
🍋 Saturday, May 31 in Downtown Davenport. Stroll through locally loved shops, enjoy refreshing lemonade and take advantage of special deals at participating businesses. 

🛍️ The museum will be open 10 am - 4 pm and visitors can get 10% off any gift shop purchase! (Members get 20%)!

We have lots of neat gifts and goods from Germany. Also, all of our merchandise is tax-free! Funds generated from sales go back to supporting the museum's mission. Check out our selection of beer, canvas tote bags, kitchen and home decor, books, games, and much more.
Learn more here: https://www.downtowndavenport.com/blog-news/lemonade-sip-n-shop

Downtown Davenport Lemonade Sip N` Shop:
🍋 Saturday, May 31 in Downtown Davenport. Stroll through locally loved shops, enjoy refreshing lemonade and take advantage of special deals at participating businesses.

🛍️ The museum will be open 10 am – 4 pm and visitors can get 10% off any gift shop purchase! (Members get 20%)!

We have lots of neat gifts and goods from Germany. Also, all of our merchandise is tax-free! Funds generated from sales go back to supporting the museum`s mission. Check out our selection of beer, canvas tote bags, kitchen and home decor, books, games, and much more.
Learn more here: https://www.downtowndavenport.com/blog-news/lemonade-sip-n-shop
…

Open
We are a proud participant in Blue Star Museums which offers free admission for active military and their immediate families. The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and run through Labor Day, September 1, 2025.

Come view our exhibitions, attend a Kaffee und Kuchen program, and more. Check out all of the participating museums here: https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map

We are a proud participant in Blue Star Museums which offers free admission for active military and their immediate families. The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and run through Labor Day, September 1, 2025.

Come view our exhibitions, attend a Kaffee und Kuchen program, and more. Check out all of the participating museums here: https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map
…

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

NEWSLETTER

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

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.