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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 Discussionsโ€‹
    • Travel
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Private Events
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DEAI Statement

DEAI Statement

Plan Your Visit

Read more about our efforts regarding our DEAI practices.

DEAI Statement

At the German American Heritage Center and Museum (GAHC+M), we recognize that diversity is the foundation of our collective cultural heritage within the United States. Our aim is to honor and celebrate the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences that have shaped the United States, beginning with the contributions of German Americans and extending to all cultural communities.

We are committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion in every aspect of our organization.ย 

This commitment drives us to:

  1. Embrace Diversity: We acknowledge the importance of representing a wide array of voices and narratives. Our exhibitions, programs, and events reflect the diverse experiences of all immigrant groups, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history. For example, our Migrant Quilt Project exhibition poignantly presented the experiences of immigrants who have crossed the U.S. southern border, telling their stories through the art of quilting. The exhibition not only honored their journey but also highlighted the challenges and resilience of migrant communities. Additionally, our Finding Refuge in the Quad Cities Panel Discussion brought together speakers from diverse backgrounds to share personal accounts of their journeys as refugees from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the DRC to the United States. We also continually host a variety of folk art workshops to teach traditional methods of craft such as the Ukrainian art of pysanky egg decorating.

  2. Promote Equity: We strive to create an environment where everyone has equal access to our resources, programs, and opportunities. This includes equitable hiring practices and the ongoing assessment of our policies to eliminate systemic barriers.ย 

  3. Enhance Accessibility: We are dedicated to making the GAHC+M welcoming and accessible to all visitors. Our initiatives include (but are not limited to) providing ASL tours, sensory kits, and bilingual resources, ensuring that everyone can engage with our mission and heritage. Additional initiatives involve providing financial accessibility to the museum; this includes participation/membership in Museums for All (which provides free or reduced admission to those receiving food assistance), Blue Star Museums (which offers free admission to active duty military personnel) and our annual Family Free Days.

  4. Cultivate Inclusion: We believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. We actively engage with our community to build meaningful partnerships, ensuring diverse voices are not only represented but celebrated within our institution. We have partnered with the following institutions in order to foster such inclusion: LULAC (The League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa), the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, World Relief Quad Cities, and Tapestry Farms.ย 

  5. Educate and Advocate: As a cultural center and museum, we have a responsibility to educate our community about the complexities of immigration and cultural identity. Weย  advocate for DEAI principles within our organization and the broader museum field, recognizing that our actions must align with our values.

By embedding DEAI into the core of our operations, we aim to create a space where all individuals can connect with and contribute to the rich narrative of our shared cultural history. We are committed to continuous learning and growth in our DEAI efforts, ensuring that they reflect the evolving needs of our community.

Together, we strive to build a future where diversity is celebrated, equity is pursued, accessibility is prioritized, and inclusion is a reality for all.

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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
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
๐ŸฅƒOtto 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 โ€” 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 sรฉances on a college campus, this former hotel has seen it all. And it has its own dark and fascinating tales to share.

๐Ÿ‘ปAccording 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. 

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธReserve your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/darker-side-of-davenport-walking-tours-6386427j

๐ŸฅƒOtto 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 โ€” 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 sรฉances on a college campus, this former hotel has seen it all. And it has its own dark and fascinating tales to share.

๐Ÿ‘ปAccording 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.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ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.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Saturday December 13th, 2025 10 am โ€“ 6 pm.
๐Ÿ“ 712 W 2nd Street Davenport, IA 52802

๐Ÿ›๏ธ The museum is free and open to the public all day long.
๐ŸŽ… ๐Ÿ‘น Special appearances by Santa and Krampus!
๐ŸŽถ Live music throughout the day.
โ„๏ธ Get Christkindlmarkt merch, try our homemade Glรผhwien or a German beer, and shop local vendors!

๐Ÿ›๏ธ 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.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Saturday December 13th, 2025 10 am โ€“ 6 pm.
๐Ÿ“ 712 W 2nd Street Davenport, IA 52802

๐Ÿ›๏ธ The museum is free and open to the public all day long.
๐ŸŽ… ๐Ÿ‘น Special appearances by Santa and Krampus!
๐ŸŽถ Live music throughout the day.
โ„๏ธ Get Christkindlmarkt merch, try our homemade Glรผhwien or a German beer, and shop local vendors!

๐Ÿ›๏ธ 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
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ QC Museum Month
๐Ÿฐ Kaffee und Kuchen Lecture Series
๐ŸŽž๏ธ Darker Side of Davenport "Sitting Tour"
๐Ÿ“œ 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
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ QC Museum Month
๐Ÿฐ Kaffee und Kuchen Lecture Series
๐ŸŽž๏ธ Darker Side of Davenport "Sitting Tour"
๐Ÿ“œ 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.
…

Open
โญ๏ธ October is #QCMuseumMonth! We're excited to offer free admission on Saturdays in October and an extra 10% off in the gift shop. Check out our exhibitions, attend an event, and see what's going on at the museum for the month of October. 

๐Ÿ“ฑ Sign Up FREE with the QC Museum Month 2025 mobile pass to track your journey, take advantage of deals, and become eligible for a giveaway prize basket at the end of the month! Learn more and sign up here: https://qcmuseumweek.com/

The mobile pass is not required to take advantage of the free admission and discounts at the GAHC+M. 

#qcthatswhere #downtowndavenport #museum #quadcities

โญ๏ธ October is #QCMuseumMonth! We`re excited to offer free admission on Saturdays in October and an extra 10% off in the gift shop. Check out our exhibitions, attend an event, and see what`s going on at the museum for the month of October.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Sign Up FREE with the QC Museum Month 2025 mobile pass to track your journey, take advantage of deals, and become eligible for a giveaway prize basket at the end of the month! Learn more and sign up here: https://qcmuseumweek.com/

The mobile pass is not required to take advantage of the free admission and discounts at the GAHC+M.

#qcthatswhere #downtowndavenport #museum #quadcities
…

Open
๐ŸŽฅ We're looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as we wrap up From Hitler to Hollywood: Film Series at the Last Picture House 

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at The Last Picture House in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater. 

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian รฉmigrรฉ, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house 

๐Ÿบ Try a pint of Erbe '48, a Mรคrzen brewed for us by Twin Span Brewing. A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum. 

Artwork by Bruce Walters.

๐ŸŽฅ We`re looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as we wrap up From Hitler to Hollywood: Film Series at the Last Picture House

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at The Last Picture House in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater.

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian รฉmigrรฉ, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

๐Ÿบ Try a pint of Erbe `48, a Mรคrzen brewed for us by Twin Span Brewing. A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum.

Artwork by Bruce Walters.
…

Open
Check out our Fall Kaffee und Kuchen calendar for upcoming programs for October and November. Link in bio.

1:30 Coffee and Cake
2:00 Program
Free for members! RSVP online preferred, but walk-ins welcome. 

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ October 12th - Wonderfully Weird Objects from the @putnammuseum Collections with Christine Chandler
๐Ÿง™โ€โ™€๏ธ October 26th - The Wicked and the Weird: Stories from the Quad Cities with John Brassard Jr. (@strangeanddreadfulthings)
๐Ÿš‚ November 9th - The Danville Station Museum and Anne Frank with Janet Hesler 
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช November 23rd - The Belgian Connection: Belgium's Influence Abroad and in the Quad Cities

#programs #history #halloween #quadcities #iowa #illinois #events #fall #autum #museum #kaffeeundkuchen #german #midwest

Check out our Fall Kaffee und Kuchen calendar for upcoming programs for October and November. Link in bio.

1:30 Coffee and Cake
2:00 Program
Free for members! RSVP online preferred, but walk-ins welcome.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ October 12th – Wonderfully Weird Objects from the @putnammuseum Collections with Christine Chandler
๐Ÿง™โ€โ™€๏ธ October 26th – The Wicked and the Weird: Stories from the Quad Cities with John Brassard Jr. (@strangeanddreadfulthings)
๐Ÿš‚ November 9th – The Danville Station Museum and Anne Frank with Janet Hesler
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช November 23rd – The Belgian Connection: Belgium`s Influence Abroad and in the Quad Cities

#programs #history #halloween #quadcities #iowa #illinois #events #fall #autum #museum #kaffeeundkuchen #german #midwest
…

VISIT US

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

HOURS

Tuesdays โ€“ Saturdays open 10 am โ€“ 4 pm
Sundays open 12 โ€“ 4 pm
Closed Mondays

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German American Heritage Center & Museum
712 W 2nd St.
Davenport, IA 52802
Tuesdays โ€“ Saturdays open 10 am โ€“ 4 pm
Sundays open 12 โ€“ 4 pm
Closed Mondays

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