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    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • German Expressionist Prints
    • The Prints of David and Sarojini Johnson
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Travel
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Private Events
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Collections

Collections

Learn about our collection and archive

The German American Heritage Center and Museum collects objects and archival material related to German immigrant experiences to Scott County Iowa prior to 1925. 

Artifact Donation FAQ

As we strive to maintain professional museum standards and strengthen our collections, we have adopted specific policies and procedures to manage and sustainably grow our collections of artifacts. We continue to accept donations of artifacts into the Museum’s Permanent and Education collections to help us tell the stories of German immigration and German Americans, however, due to space and preservation considerations, we cannot accept all offers of artifacts.

If you have artifacts or documents that you believe would add to the collections of the German American Heritage Center and Museum, please contact the Assistant Director & Curator by phone or email to discuss the artifact. All artifact donations go through the following steps:

  • Contact the Museum and tell us what artifacts you have and any information you know about them.
  • Bring item to Museum and fill out a temporary receipt form. Your signature gives the Museum permission to evaluate the artifact(s) for our collections. Ownership is not transferred at this time.
  • All donations are reviewed by the Curator and collections committee using specific criteria.
  • All objects accepted for the collections are listed on a Deed of Gift which requires the donor’s signature. The donor will receive one copy of the deed of gift and the Museum will keep one on file in our permanent donor files. This process is usually done via mail.
  • Once this form is signed, the donation is complete and unrestricted ownership of the artifact is transferred to the Museum. After this transfer, the artifact is cataloged into the Museum’s collection.
  • The object(s) will be evaluated and the potential donor contacted by the Curator or Archivist regarding the status of the donation. If you choose to bring the proposed donation directly to the Museum, a temporary receipt must be filled out with the donor’s contact information, so the Museum may contact the donor regarding the status of the object. There is no transfer of ownership at this stage.

 

How are potential donations reviewed?

Proposed donations are reviewed by the Curator, Archivist, and collections committee, knowledgeable in both the scope of the Museum’s Collection and issues associated with the preservation of museum artifacts. The proposed donation will be reviewed based on historical significance, uniqueness, mission relevance, its fit within the collection, and the museum’s ability to care for the object[s]. We take into account the criteria specified in the Museum’s collecting policies and the Museum’s current collecting goals. We consider the condition of the object and availability of Museum resources to properly display, store and care for proposed objects. If you have questions about the Museum’s Collection policies or scope, please see the Collections Policy or contact the Curator.

What happens to objects not accepted for Museum’s permanent collection?

On the temporary receipt form is a section where the donor can select whether they want the donation returned if the Museum does not accept it, or if the Museum is free to transfer or otherwise dispose of objects that are declined. If the donor selects the return option, we make arrangements for the donor to pick up the donation. If the donor does not want the potential donation back, the first consideration is to transfer it to another museum or appropriate institution.

Does it cost anything to donate an object to the Museum?

The Museum does not charge donors a fee to donate objects. However, there are many ongoing costs associated with the preservation and care of our collections, such as archival storage supplies, building space, climate control, conservation equipment, professional personnel, insurance, display equipment, etc.

Does the Museum purchase artifacts?

On very rare occasions, the Museum may purchase an artifact, but has no regular funding for this purpose. As a result, the Museum will only purchase artifacts in extraordinary circumstances. These pieces are still required to meet the same criteria as donated objects.

Does the Museum accept objects on loan?

Due to insurance and liability issues as well as space constraints, loans to the Museum collections are only accepted when requested for a specific exhibit.

Does the Museum do repair or conservation work?

The Museum staff consults with trained conservators for this type of work. We are able to provide advice on how to care for objects within the home and can recommend resources for more information and archival supplies. People who need an object repaired or conserved should speak with a professional conservator.

Will my donation be exhibited?

The German American Heritage Center and Museum cannot guarantee that donated artifacts will be put on display. We rotate objects within our Permanent Exhibition and in temporary exhibitions as appropriate, but only a small percentage of the entire collection can be displayed at a given time. Long term exhibition can cause damage and can shorten the life of many types of artifacts. Donations that are not on display are well cared-for and used for research purposes.

Can the Museum Appraise my Artifact?

The Museum cannot provide appraisals of the monetary value of artifacts proposed for donation or for any other reason. The Internal Revenue Service regards museums and libraries as interested parties. If an appraisal is desired, you may contact a professional licensed appraiser in your area.

Can I take a tax-deduction for my donation?

The German American Heritage Center and Museum is recognized as a qualified charitable organization and so the fair market value of artifacts donated to the museum is usually tax-deductible. We recommend you consult with an accountant, attorney or the Internal Revenue Service for more information.

Will my artifact be returned to me at my request?

Once an object is donated and a deed of gift is signed by the donor, the Museum becomes the legal owner of the artifact. A donated artifact cannot be returned to the donor upon request.

Can objects be removed from the Collection?

The German American Heritage Center and Museum is an educational institution that serves the public. The objects within our collections must support that goal and our overall mission. Most of the objects given to the Museum will remain in our collections for the rest of their lives. The Museum recognizes that retention of each and every object in a collection involves an ongoing expense. The Museum may – after a cautious and detailed process – remove artifacts from the Permanent Collection through a process called deaccession. Deaccessioning is a way to improve and strengthen collections by refining, upgrading and focusing them. Deaccessioned items are first considered for placement in another educational institution but may also be moved to our Library and Education Collection, sold or discarded. Any funds gained from the sale of deaccessioned items are placed in a restricted fund to be used for care and preservation of the Permanent Collection and will not be used for general operating expenses. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the deaccession process, please do not hesitate to contact our Curator.

If you have further questions regarding the donation process or wish to discuss a past or future donation, please contact our Curator, Clare Tobin at [email protected] or 563-322-8844. Thank you to all members and donors who support the Museum’s collections financially and through artifact donations!

Research Requests

As an educational institution, the German American Heritage Center and Museum offers appointment-only research requests. If you would like to schedule a research appointment, email [email protected] or call 563-322-8844.

How do I request research materials?

Interested parties must schedule a research appointment with our curator or archivist. Requests for materials should include as much information as possible so our staff can look up any relevant materials in our collection. 

In-person appointments are available Sunday – Saturday during regular museum hours and are dependent on availability of our staff. All accessioned materials are be handled by the curator or archivist only. 

Scans of materials can be completed upon request. 

Is there a fee for research requests?

We do not have standard rates for research requests, but we do accept donations to the museum in an amount that is meaningful to you. 

There are many ongoing costs associated with the preservation and care of our collections, such as staff salaries, archival storage supplies, building space, climate control, conservation equipment, insurance, display equipment, etc.

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German American Heritage Center and Museum

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

Open
Visit the German American Heritage Center and Museum on Saturday for free admission and special deals:
🎃  Downtown Davenport's Spooky Spectacular Candy Crawl!
🎟️ FREE admission to the museum
🛍️ 10% off all gift shop purchases
👻 and a special presentation-style version of our Darker Side of Davenport Tour at 10:30!

Learn about local history, attend one of our programs, see our exhibitions and learn about immigrants to the Quad Cities, See German Expressionist Prints, and more artwork from David and Sarojini Johnson. 

🔑 Get a free print from local artist Joseph Lappie when you mention it at the front desk!

Visit the German American Heritage Center and Museum on Saturday for free admission and special deals:
🎃 Downtown Davenport`s Spooky Spectacular Candy Crawl!
🎟️ FREE admission to the museum
🛍️ 10% off all gift shop purchases
👻 and a special presentation-style version of our Darker Side of Davenport Tour at 10:30!

Learn about local history, attend one of our programs, see our exhibitions and learn about immigrants to the Quad Cities, See German Expressionist Prints, and more artwork from David and Sarojini Johnson.

🔑 Get a free print from local artist Joseph Lappie when you mention it at the front desk!
…

Open
Sunday October 26th is our next Kaffee und Kuchen: The Wicked and the Weird with John Brassard Jr.  This program is free for members or included with general admission. RSVP online or get tickets at the door. Learn about some wicked and weird true crime stories from one of our favorite local authors! 

Also, check out John's books in our gift shop, 10% off for #QCMuseumMonth!
Quad Cities Strange and Dreadful Things

Sunday October 26th is our next Kaffee und Kuchen: The Wicked and the Weird with John Brassard Jr. This program is free for members or included with general admission. RSVP online or get tickets at the door. Learn about some wicked and weird true crime stories from one of our favorite local authors!

Also, check out John`s books in our gift shop, 10% off for #QCMuseumMonth!
Quad Cities Strange and Dreadful Things
…

Open
Join us for a spine‑tingling stroll through Downtown Davenport on Saturday, October 25 from 12-3 p.m.

Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon in Downtown Davenport! The Spooky Spectacular & Candy Crawl is a family-friendly Halloween event filled with treats, photo ops and festive surprises around every corner.

Local businesses will be handing out candy, offering fall-inspired specials, hosting spooky sales and creating unique Halloween experiences throughout downtown.

Visit the German American Heritage Center and Museum on Saturday for special deals:
🎟️ FREE admission
🛍️ 10% off all gift shop purchases
👻 and a special presentation-style version of our Darker Side of Davenport Tour at 10:30!

HOW IT WORKS:
Dress in your best Halloween costume
Pick up an event map at any participating business
Stroll through downtown, collect treats and enjoy all the spooky fun our local businesses have in store!

Join us for a spine‑tingling stroll through Downtown Davenport on Saturday, October 25 from 12-3 p.m.

Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon in Downtown Davenport! The Spooky Spectacular & Candy Crawl is a family-friendly Halloween event filled with treats, photo ops and festive surprises around every corner.

Local businesses will be handing out candy, offering fall-inspired specials, hosting spooky sales and creating unique Halloween experiences throughout downtown.

Visit the German American Heritage Center and Museum on Saturday for special deals:
🎟️ FREE admission
🛍️ 10% off all gift shop purchases
👻 and a special presentation-style version of our Darker Side of Davenport Tour at 10:30!

HOW IT WORKS:
Dress in your best Halloween costume
Pick up an event map at any participating business
Stroll through downtown, collect treats and enjoy all the spooky fun our local businesses have in store!
…

Open
Back from the collections with this photograph of a man outside of Tony Hertzner's Bar, Davenport, Iowa. 1880-1900's. There is not much on the photo or the business as far as we know, we just think you might enjoy this photograph too!

Stop by this month to learn more about German Immigrants in the Quad Cities. 
We are open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM
Closed on Monday

This month we are offering FREE admission on Saturdays during #QCMuseumMonth @visitquadcities

Back from the collections with this photograph of a man outside of Tony Hertzner`s Bar, Davenport, Iowa. 1880-1900`s. There is not much on the photo or the business as far as we know, we just think you might enjoy this photograph too!

Stop by this month to learn more about German Immigrants in the Quad Cities.
We are open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM
Closed on Monday

This month we are offering FREE admission on Saturdays during #QCMuseumMonth @visitquadcities
…

Open
🥃Otto Koechert was well known in the Tri-City area. He immigrated from Germany in 1870. It is unclear what Otto did in his free time, he most likely spent time with friends, perhaps spending Sunday afternoons at Schuetzen Park. As time went on, he frequented the saloons more often, and enjoyed alcoholic beverages, often overindulging. According to newspapers, he was "working as a clerk during the first few years of his residence, but showing no ambition and gradually drifting from bad to worse...One who knew him says that he would remain intoxicated for days at a time, until he apparently tired of that condition and would have a sober spell for a few days."

Otto died on March 10th, 1891, in the Germania House, his place of residence. His body found by the proprietress, who noted that he didn't even take off his shoes before falling into bed.  His death was likely result from a stroke induced by overindulgence of alcohol.

712 W. 2nd Street — a historic address that has stood witness to the dramatic and sometimes chilling evolution of Downtown Davenport since the Germania House was first built on this site in 1862. From a string of barbershop murders and a fire at a mental hospital to ghostly sightings at City Hall and séances on a college campus, this former hotel has seen it all. And it has its own dark and fascinating tales to share.

👻According to staff, Otto is our resident ghost. You can share your respects to him on our Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours this month. The walking tours continue tomorrow at 6pm. 

🎟️Reserve your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/darker-side-of-davenport-walking-tours-6386427j

🥃Otto Koechert was well known in the Tri-City area. He immigrated from Germany in 1870. It is unclear what Otto did in his free time, he most likely spent time with friends, perhaps spending Sunday afternoons at Schuetzen Park. As time went on, he frequented the saloons more often, and enjoyed alcoholic beverages, often overindulging. According to newspapers, he was "working as a clerk during the first few years of his residence, but showing no ambition and gradually drifting from bad to worse…One who knew him says that he would remain intoxicated for days at a time, until he apparently tired of that condition and would have a sober spell for a few days."

Otto died on March 10th, 1891, in the Germania House, his place of residence. His body found by the proprietress, who noted that he didn`t even take off his shoes before falling into bed. His death was likely result from a stroke induced by overindulgence of alcohol.

712 W. 2nd Street — a historic address that has stood witness to the dramatic and sometimes chilling evolution of Downtown Davenport since the Germania House was first built on this site in 1862. From a string of barbershop murders and a fire at a mental hospital to ghostly sightings at City Hall and séances on a college campus, this former hotel has seen it all. And it has its own dark and fascinating tales to share.

👻According to staff, Otto is our resident ghost. You can share your respects to him on our Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours this month. The walking tours continue tomorrow at 6pm.

🎟️Reserve your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/darker-side-of-davenport-walking-tours-6386427j
…

Open
Save the Date for Christkindlmarkt Quad Cities! This free annual event celebrates the holiday season with a focus on German heritage. Like traditional winter markets around the world, the Quad Cities Christkindlmarkt is an indoor/outdoor artisan craft and gift market with live music, local foods, and local performances.

🗓️ Saturday December 13th, 2025 10 am – 6 pm.
📍 712 W 2nd Street Davenport, IA 52802

🏛️ The museum is free and open to the public all day long.
🎅 👹 Special appearances by Santa and Krampus!
🎶 Live music throughout the day.
❄️ Get Christkindlmarkt merch, try our homemade Glühwien or a German beer, and shop local vendors!

🛍️ Interested in being a vendor? Complete our vendor application by November 1st. https://forms.gle/3BozYeDu5XE6RiJM6

Save the Date for Christkindlmarkt Quad Cities! This free annual event celebrates the holiday season with a focus on German heritage. Like traditional winter markets around the world, the Quad Cities Christkindlmarkt is an indoor/outdoor artisan craft and gift market with live music, local foods, and local performances.

🗓️ Saturday December 13th, 2025 10 am – 6 pm.
📍 712 W 2nd Street Davenport, IA 52802

🏛️ The museum is free and open to the public all day long.
🎅 👹 Special appearances by Santa and Krampus!
🎶 Live music throughout the day.
❄️ Get Christkindlmarkt merch, try our homemade Glühwien or a German beer, and shop local vendors!

🛍️ Interested in being a vendor? Complete our vendor application by November 1st. https://forms.gle/3BozYeDu5XE6RiJM6
…

Open
This month is busy at the museum! Check out our upcoming events and register online here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/german-american-heritage-center-and-museum
🏛️ Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours
🎟️ QC Museum Month
🍰 Kaffee und Kuchen Lecture Series
🎞️ Darker Side of Davenport "Sitting Tour"
📜 QC Archives Fair

This month is busy at the museum! Check out our upcoming events and register online here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/german-american-heritage-center-and-museum
🏛️ Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours
🎟️ QC Museum Month
🍰 Kaffee und Kuchen Lecture Series
🎞️ Darker Side of Davenport "Sitting Tour"
📜 QC Archives Fair
…

Open
October 6th is #GermanAmericanDay! Today we celebrate German-American heritage. Recognized as a National Holiday by Ronald Reagan on October 6th, 1987, this holiday recognizes the first Germans who settled in Pennsylvania, establishing Germantown. 

30 years ago, William J. Clinton made Proclamation 6834, affirming Reagan's recognition of October 6th as German American day, stating; "Since the earliest days of the settlement of North America, immigrants from Germany have enriched our Nation with their industry, culture, and participation in public life."

You can learn more about German Heritage in America by visiting us! 
Tuesday-Saturday from 10pm-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, we are closed Monday.

Photos from German American Heritage Center and Museum Collection.
You can find Proclamation 6834, in full, on the American Presidency Project's website.

October 6th is #GermanAmericanDay! Today we celebrate German-American heritage. Recognized as a National Holiday by Ronald Reagan on October 6th, 1987, this holiday recognizes the first Germans who settled in Pennsylvania, establishing Germantown.

30 years ago, William J. Clinton made Proclamation 6834, affirming Reagan`s recognition of October 6th as German American day, stating; "Since the earliest days of the settlement of North America, immigrants from Germany have enriched our Nation with their industry, culture, and participation in public life."

You can learn more about German Heritage in America by visiting us!
Tuesday-Saturday from 10pm-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, we are closed Monday.

Photos from German American Heritage Center and Museum Collection.
You can find Proclamation 6834, in full, on the American Presidency Project`s website.
…

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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