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    • Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy
    • Violins of Hope Iowa
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  • Private Events
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  • 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
    • Violins of Hope Iowa
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Travel
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
  • Private Events
  • Donate

Accessibility

The GAHC+M prioritizes the accessibility of our building and making it a welcoming space for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status, and other diverse backgrounds. Explore below to find out more about the steps we are taking to make a more accessible space. If you have questions or concerns regarding ways we can best accommodate you please contact our DEAI Coordinator: Aaron Baker at 563-322-8844 ext. 105 or by email at [email protected].

Parking/Arriving
  • Our parking lot is on the north side of the building. It includes handicap accessible parking spaces.
  • The pathway leading to the entrance is fully handicap accessible as well.
Wheelchair Accessibility
  • Wheelchairs are available for those that need them at no cost.
  • All museum spaces are accessible by wheelchair.
Elevator Access
  • Each floor is accessible by elevator.
Restrooms
  • The museum contains 2 restrooms each on both the 1st and 4th floors.
  • All restrooms are handicap accessible.
  • The 4th floor restrooms are both gender neutral.
Hearing
  • English subtitles are featured in all of the museum’s video content.
  • German subtitles are also available in the introductory video of the permanent exhibit.
Sensory Kits
  • Sensory kits for children with sensory sensitivities can be checked out at the Front Desk.  The goal of the kits is to provide children with such sensitivities resources that help to ensure a better experience at the museum. 
  • The kits include headphones, sunglasses, communication cards (for non-verbal children) and a fidget toy. Each kit has a different wooden fidget toy made by HABA (a German toy company). 
  • This project was supported by a grant from The American Legion of Iowa Foundation.

Low Income Options
  • The GAHC&M is a proud participant of the Museums for All initiative. Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to the GAHC&M simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID.

Seasonal Tours and ASL Tours
  • The GAHC&M offers free docent guided tours accompanied by an ASL interpreter. These tours are held quarterly throughout the year.
  • ASL Tours can also be scheduled by appointment.
  • For more information about the quarterly ASL tours or to schedule a tour please contact Aaron Baker at 563-322-8844 ext. 105 or [email protected].
  • ASL tours are available through a grant from the Regional Development Authority.

Regional Development Authority (Quad Cities) logo

Service Animals
  • Service animals are the only animals allowed in the museum at any time. Service animals are dogs (or other animals) that are trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. This can include a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Tasks performed by the animal may include pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items, alerting a person to a sound, pressing elevator buttons or a variety of other tasks. The work performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. This does not include emotional support animals.
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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
We are once again participating in Birdies for Charity, which allows your donation to go even further. Because of you, every dollar raised through Birdies for Charity is matched, amplifying your contribution and ensuring that the museum thrives for years to come.

Because of supporters like you, we are able to continue bringing exciting exhibtions, lively events, and popular programs like Kaffee und Kuchen to the museum. Thank you for your generosity!

Donation links in bio.

We are once again participating in Birdies for Charity, which allows your donation to go even further. Because of you, every dollar raised through Birdies for Charity is matched, amplifying your contribution and ensuring that the museum thrives for years to come.

Because of supporters like you, we are able to continue bringing exciting exhibtions, lively events, and popular programs like Kaffee und Kuchen to the museum. Thank you for your generosity!

Donation links in bio.
…

Open
🐣 Frohe Ostern! The museum is closed today, Easter Sunday.

In Germany, Easter is observed over a four-day period, starting on Good Friday and concluding on Easter Monday. Good Friday is generally a calm, contemplative day that recognizes the crucifixion of Jesus. Many people in Germany go to church services, have fish as their main meal, and honor the day with closed businesses and silent church bells.

On Easter Sunday, people often spend the day preparing for the holiday. Traditional activities include baking lamb-shaped cakes and visiting Easter markets. These markets often sell seasonal decorations and ornaments for Osterbaum (Easter trees). A German custom in which bare branches are decorated with colorful eggs, either in a vase inside or by decorating trees and shrubs outside in their yards and gardens. The trees symbolize new life and renewal, while the eggs represent fertility and rebirth. Another popular custom is the Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), where large fires are lit in towns and villages to symbolize light overcoming darkness and the arrival of spring after winter. 

🌸 ☀️ 🪺 What are some of your Easter traditions?

🐣 Frohe Ostern! The museum is closed today, Easter Sunday.

In Germany, Easter is observed over a four-day period, starting on Good Friday and concluding on Easter Monday. Good Friday is generally a calm, contemplative day that recognizes the crucifixion of Jesus. Many people in Germany go to church services, have fish as their main meal, and honor the day with closed businesses and silent church bells.

On Easter Sunday, people often spend the day preparing for the holiday. Traditional activities include baking lamb-shaped cakes and visiting Easter markets. These markets often sell seasonal decorations and ornaments for Osterbaum (Easter trees). A German custom in which bare branches are decorated with colorful eggs, either in a vase inside or by decorating trees and shrubs outside in their yards and gardens. The trees symbolize new life and renewal, while the eggs represent fertility and rebirth. Another popular custom is the Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), where large fires are lit in towns and villages to symbolize light overcoming darkness and the arrival of spring after winter.

🌸 ☀️ 🪺 What are some of your Easter traditions?
…

Open
In 2026, we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250) of the United States! Follow along as we highlight influential German immigrants throughout the history of the United States.

In 1733, John Peter Zenger (October 26, 1697 – July 28, 1746) traveled to America from the Palatinate as an indentured servant. He founded The New York Weekly Journal, the first independent newspaper in America. 

As issues were published, Zenger was soon sued for libel based on articles that accused the British governor of New York, William Cosby, of abusing his power over the colonies.

Two years later, with the help of his defense lawyer, Alexander Hamilton, Zenger was acquitted. The case established the principle that one could not be found guilty for publishing the truth, helping to lay the groundwork for freedom of the press in the colonies.

Their fight against censorship and suppression laid the foundation for the people’s rights and the broader struggle for colonial justice.

Image: Andrew Hamilton defending John Peter Zenger in court, 1734. Library of Congress. Caption: "By no means," exclaimed Hamilton, in his clear, thrilling, silvery voice, "It is not the bar, printing and publishing of a paper that will make it a libel, the words themselves must be libelous, that is false, scandalous, and seditious, else my client is not guilty." Page 558.

In 2026, we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250) of the United States! Follow along as we highlight influential German immigrants throughout the history of the United States.

In 1733, John Peter Zenger (October 26, 1697 – July 28, 1746) traveled to America from the Palatinate as an indentured servant. He founded The New York Weekly Journal, the first independent newspaper in America.

As issues were published, Zenger was soon sued for libel based on articles that accused the British governor of New York, William Cosby, of abusing his power over the colonies.

Two years later, with the help of his defense lawyer, Alexander Hamilton, Zenger was acquitted. The case established the principle that one could not be found guilty for publishing the truth, helping to lay the groundwork for freedom of the press in the colonies.

Their fight against censorship and suppression laid the foundation for the people’s rights and the broader struggle for colonial justice.

Image: Andrew Hamilton defending John Peter Zenger in court, 1734. Library of Congress. Caption: "By no means," exclaimed Hamilton, in his clear, thrilling, silvery voice, "It is not the bar, printing and publishing of a paper that will make it a libel, the words themselves must be libelous, that is false, scandalous, and seditious, else my client is not guilty." Page 558.
…

Open
We have loved seeing our visitors' thoughtful responses to the Violins of Hope. 

During the Holocaust, Jewish musicians played the violin to bring hope to their communities. Musicians relied on their instrument to help feed their families. 

"Lagerkapellen," or camp orchestras, were musical ensembles made up of imprisoned people in Nazi concentration camps, forced by the SS to perform during marches, roll calls, and even executions. These groups played marches, classical pieces, and sometimes were cruelly ordered to play “Tango of Death” selections to enforce labor rhythm, entertain guards, and inflict psychological torment. Though created under coercion, some prisoner-musicians used music quietly as an act of resilience and survival. 

Many of these imprisoned musicians were able to survive because of their role in the orchestras. Many stopped playing after they were freed because of the trauma associated with their instruments and the music. 

🕊️What gives you hope when life feels difficult?

🕊️What gives you courage to speak out against hate and violence?

🕊️If you could pass one message forward to the next generation, what would it be?

🕊️How can you use your voice, art, or kindness to bring hope to others?

We have loved seeing our visitors` thoughtful responses to the Violins of Hope.

During the Holocaust, Jewish musicians played the violin to bring hope to their communities. Musicians relied on their instrument to help feed their families.

"Lagerkapellen," or camp orchestras, were musical ensembles made up of imprisoned people in Nazi concentration camps, forced by the SS to perform during marches, roll calls, and even executions. These groups played marches, classical pieces, and sometimes were cruelly ordered to play “Tango of Death” selections to enforce labor rhythm, entertain guards, and inflict psychological torment. Though created under coercion, some prisoner-musicians used music quietly as an act of resilience and survival.

Many of these imprisoned musicians were able to survive because of their role in the orchestras. Many stopped playing after they were freed because of the trauma associated with their instruments and the music.

🕊️What gives you hope when life feels difficult?

🕊️What gives you courage to speak out against hate and violence?

🕊️If you could pass one message forward to the next generation, what would it be?

🕊️How can you use your voice, art, or kindness to bring hope to others?
…

Open
This violin belonged to Ole Steffen Dahl, a resistance fighter with the Danish Army who helped transport 7,200 Jewish Danes to safety in Sweden in 1943. 

Ole Dahl was also a luthier—a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments. This violin belonged to Steffen as a child, and he kept it with him his entire life. After his death, his son Chris kept this violin on a shelf at home for about 20 years. 

In 2023, Chris donated his father’s violin to the Violins of Hope project. 

You can see this violin on display at the museum through April 12th, and then will be transferred to Sioux City, Iowa to be played in their Symphony concerts. The Violins of Hope exhibiton will be at the German American Heritage Center and Museum through April 26th, 2026.

#violinsofhope #violins #history #museum

This violin belonged to Ole Steffen Dahl, a resistance fighter with the Danish Army who helped transport 7,200 Jewish Danes to safety in Sweden in 1943.

Ole Dahl was also a luthier—a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments. This violin belonged to Steffen as a child, and he kept it with him his entire life. After his death, his son Chris kept this violin on a shelf at home for about 20 years.

In 2023, Chris donated his father’s violin to the Violins of Hope project.

You can see this violin on display at the museum through April 12th, and then will be transferred to Sioux City, Iowa to be played in their Symphony concerts. The Violins of Hope exhibiton will be at the German American Heritage Center and Museum through April 26th, 2026.

#violinsofhope #violins #history #museum
…

Open
We're looking forward to some unique gifts and jewelry from our vendors on Saturday at our Eiermarkt Spring Vendor Market  from 10 am - 2 pm.

Here's a sneak peek at some of our vendors who will be here this weekend: 
Plants by Brad - will have a selection of live plants and crystals.
Mi Bella Resin - epoxy resin keychains, trays, and more, crocheted shawls, market bags, and earrings.
Trixie's Tipsy Teapots - yard art made out of repurposed teapots and other seasonal home decor.

FREE ADMISSION to the market and the museum all day. Browse for gifts and discover all our vendors have to offer. 
🗓️ Saturday March 28th, 2026
⏰ 10 am - 2 pm
📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa

We`re looking forward to some unique gifts and jewelry from our vendors on Saturday at our Eiermarkt Spring Vendor Market from 10 am – 2 pm.

Here`s a sneak peek at some of our vendors who will be here this weekend:
Plants by Brad – will have a selection of live plants and crystals.
Mi Bella Resin – epoxy resin keychains, trays, and more, crocheted shawls, market bags, and earrings.
Trixie`s Tipsy Teapots – yard art made out of repurposed teapots and other seasonal home decor.

FREE ADMISSION to the market and the museum all day. Browse for gifts and discover all our vendors have to offer.
🗓️ Saturday March 28th, 2026
⏰ 10 am – 2 pm
📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa
…

Open
What was the GAHC+M like in the 90s? 

After the purchase of our building in 1994, volunteers and community members came together to restore the former Standard Hotel and transform it into a museum and cultural heritage space. The 1860s building served as a modest hotel for early immigrants who ultimately settled in the Quad Cities area.

Over 30 years later, our vibrant organization has grown and become a landmark for preserving the immigrant stories that helped shape our community today. We're so thankful to those who had a vision and  were committed to a seemingly impossible task that became so much more than just "saving an old building."

Do you remember the building before the renovation?
#90s #museum #history #quadcities #qcthatswhere #QC #Iowa #Illinois

What was the GAHC+M like in the 90s?

After the purchase of our building in 1994, volunteers and community members came together to restore the former Standard Hotel and transform it into a museum and cultural heritage space. The 1860s building served as a modest hotel for early immigrants who ultimately settled in the Quad Cities area.

Over 30 years later, our vibrant organization has grown and become a landmark for preserving the immigrant stories that helped shape our community today. We`re so thankful to those who had a vision and were committed to a seemingly impossible task that became so much more than just "saving an old building."

Do you remember the building before the renovation?
#90s #museum #history #quadcities #qcthatswhere #QC #Iowa #Illinois
…

Open
We're looking forward to some unique gifts and goods from our vendors on Saturday at our Eiermarkt Spring Vendor Market  from 10 am - 2 pm.

Here's a sneak peek at some of our vendors who will be here this weekend: 
Becky Powell - Handmade goat milk soaps and lotions.

Heritage Natural Lather - andcrafted in Peoria, Illinois, we are a small-batch soap company committed to all-natural ingredients and local sustainability. HNL partners with neighboring makers and businesses to incorporate their natural byproducts—such as coffee grounds or flower petals—into soap bars, reducing waste and honoring those working to keep our economy local. From traditional German Soleseife (brine soap) to a variety of other nourishing formulations, Heritage Natural Lather products seek to transform your daily rituals into moments of precious pause.

FREE ADMISSION to the market and the museum all day. Browse for gifts and discover all our vendors have to offer. 
🗓️ Saturday March 28th, 2026
⏰ 10 am - 2 pm
📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa

We`re looking forward to some unique gifts and goods from our vendors on Saturday at our Eiermarkt Spring Vendor Market from 10 am – 2 pm.

Here`s a sneak peek at some of our vendors who will be here this weekend:
Becky Powell – Handmade goat milk soaps and lotions.

Heritage Natural Lather – andcrafted in Peoria, Illinois, we are a small-batch soap company committed to all-natural ingredients and local sustainability. HNL partners with neighboring makers and businesses to incorporate their natural byproducts—such as coffee grounds or flower petals—into soap bars, reducing waste and honoring those working to keep our economy local. From traditional German Soleseife (brine soap) to a variety of other nourishing formulations, Heritage Natural Lather products seek to transform your daily rituals into moments of precious pause.

FREE ADMISSION to the market and the museum all day. Browse for gifts and discover all our vendors have to offer.
🗓️ Saturday March 28th, 2026
⏰ 10 am – 2 pm
📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa
…

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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