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    • Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy
    • Violins of Hope Iowa
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
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DDP Sip 'n Shop

February 24, 2024 |
 1:00 pm -
 5:00 pm
FREE

Visit us during Saturday's Sip 'n Shop!

Free admission, special discounts, and treats all over Downtown Davenport!
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate winter treat experience! Join us for a FREE-to-attend Shop Crawl, where you’ll explore the heart of Downtown Davenport while sipping on delicious hot cocoa and scoring exclusive promos at participating businesses!
Learn More HERE
🍫 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
➡️ Hot Cocoa Galore: Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa with a variety of mouthwatering enhancements like toppings, boozy twists, or sweet treats!
➡️ Special Promos: Discover exclusive discounts available only during the event hours at participating stores!
📍 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗡:
Start your adventure at our Family Credit Union check-in booth located at the Last Picture House (325 E. 2nd St.).
Here’s what you’ll snag:
➡️ Your FIRST cup of FREE hot cocoa to kick off the festivities!
➡️ A handy map guiding you to all the participating businesses.
➡️ The Family Credit Union is giving away $25 Visa gift cards to four lucky participants!
➡️ Stamp card: Make a purchase at five of the participating businesses, get stamped, and you’ll be entered into our prize basket giveaway!
🛍️ 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗞: Be among the FIRST 50 shop crawlers to snag a FREE Downtown Davenport Hot Cocoa Sip N’ Shop tote bag! 🎁
Stay tuned to our socials for exciting updates and sneak peeks!
A massive shoutout to our incredible supporting sponsors and partners: Family Credit Union, RubberStamps.net, Chocolate Manor, Last Picture House, Hotel Blackhawk, The RiverCenter, and Visit Quad Cities. Thank you for making this event possible! 🙌
𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨:
📍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 – 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬-𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 (325 E. 2nd Street)
☕ Your first cup of hot cocoa with optional boozy infusions
✨ Family Credit Union check-in table with Sip N’ Shop materials and giveaways
_________________
📍 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 & 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 (712 W. 2nd St.)
☕ Trinkschokolade (“Chocolate drink”) w/ Marshmallows and Cookie Crumbles
✨ FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION! + 10% off gift shop items
_________________
📍 𝗔𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆’𝘀 (432 W. 3rd Street)
☕ “Death Proof” hot cocoa w/ candy skulls and bones
✨ 20% off Abernathy’s hoodies and beanies
_________________
📍 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿 & 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 – 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘵 2:30𝘱𝘮 (224 W. 3rd Street)
☕ Hot Cocoa with caramel sauce and boozy infusions
✨ 10% of products in-store
_________________
📍 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 (419 Brady Street)
☕ “Bronzed Cocoa” w/ chocolate marshmallows, cocoa powder, and chocolate whip cream
✨ Buy one get one half off retail products (clothing and skincare); and $10 off a Spray Tan
_________________
📍 𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 (229 Brady St.)
☕ Hot cocoa w/ Peppermint Vodka and Whipped Cream; or Birthday Cake Whiskey w/ Frosting and Sprinkles
✨ Buy One, Get One 50% off Bites menu
_________________
📍 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗿 (110 E. 2nd St.)
☕ Grab a cup of the original Chocolate Manor Hot Cocoa + homemade whipped cream and marshmallows
✨ 25% off chocolate covered strawberries
_________________
📍 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗶 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 (303 W. 3rd St.)
☕ All Ages Hot Chocolate – Whipped Cream, Marshmallows & Sprinkles on Top
21+ Hot Chocolate – Whipped Cream, Marshmallows & Sprinkles on Top with a shot of Rum Chata Peppermint Bark!
✨ Free cheese curds or chips & salsa with the purchase of an entree
_________________
📍 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗱𝘀 (430 W. 3rd St.)
☕ The “Doodads Delight” – Lucky Charms marshmallows, rainbow strips, and edible glitter
✨ Special in-store discounts
_________________
📍 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲 (318 E. 2nd St.)
☕ Make it an Iowish Hot Chocolate! Add a shot of Iowish Cream to your hot chocolate for only $1! We will be offering all three of our delicious Iowish Cream Liqueur flavors to take your hot chocolate to the next level! Take your pick… Original, Salted Caramel or Amaretto!
✨ All cocktails $2 off until 5 p.m.
_________________
📍 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲 (735 Federal St., Suite 102)
☕ All Ages Hot Chocolate w/ Marshmallows and chocolate stir sticks
✨ 20% off a product purchase
_________________
📍 𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗚𝗨𝗡 (210 E. 2nd Street)
☕ “Sky Bridge” hot cocoa w/ a wafer and whipped cream
✨ 10% off your total with the purchase of a Mug!
_________________
📍 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗿𝘆 (221 E. 2nd St. 2nd Floor)
☕ Hot cocoa bar w/ a 21+ treat
✨ 15% off engagement rings, 20% off all other fine jewelry
_________________
📍 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 (315 E. 2nd St.)
☕ Toppings: whipped cream, butterscotch candies, marshmallows, an array of candy
Enhancements options: shots of screwball, fireball, peppermint schnapps, Bailey’s
✨ $3 shots of whichever ‘enhancement’ your heart desires! Plus our wonderful Saturday specials $5 Bloody Marys & Drafts, $4 Ciders, $3 Tall Boys.
_________________
📍 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼 & 𝗖𝗼. (219 E. 2nd St.)
☕ 21+ Hot Chocolate
✨ Markdown deals on new men’s fashion Spring arrivals
_________________
📍 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲’𝘀 (210 E. 2nd St.)
☕ S’mores Hot Chocolate topped with our Homemade Marshmallows and Graham Crackers
✨ 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine
_________________
📍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗮 + 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 (229 Brady Street, Suite 101)
☕ Your choice of flavored sauces (Chocolate Caramel, Caramel, Dark Chocolate, and White Chocolate) w/ Whipped Cream, Sprinkles, and Walker’s Shortbread Cookies
✨ FREE TOUR OF THE SPA! 20% off SkinMedica and Image Skincare products. 30% off PCA SkinCare products
_________________
Specials subject to change and giveaways available while supplies last. 📣
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German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

1,367 1,689

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

Open
New workshop just added! 

Valentine Card Workshop Saturday February 14th at 11:00 am.

Join us on Valentine's Day for a fun opportunity to make your own Valentine Cards. Instructed by Rachael Mullins, draw inspiration from vintage Valentines and use the provided materials to create your own one-of-a-kind cards.

No experience needed! This would be a wonderful way to unplug, and spend time with a friend, partner, or family member creating something unique and festive.

Registration link in bio. Walk-ins welcome if there is space available.

Pictured: Valentine card from the GAHC+M collection. Pre-WWII, donated by Linda Foster. 2022.10.5F

New workshop just added!

Valentine Card Workshop Saturday February 14th at 11:00 am.

Join us on Valentine`s Day for a fun opportunity to make your own Valentine Cards. Instructed by Rachael Mullins, draw inspiration from vintage Valentines and use the provided materials to create your own one-of-a-kind cards.

No experience needed! This would be a wonderful way to unplug, and spend time with a friend, partner, or family member creating something unique and festive.

Registration link in bio. Walk-ins welcome if there is space available.

Pictured: Valentine card from the GAHC+M collection. Pre-WWII, donated by Linda Foster. 2022.10.5F
…

Open
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 81 years ago, Soviet soldiers liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where over one million people were murdered.

On this day, we honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with countless others who suffered under Nazi persecution. We remember their lives, their stories, and their humanity.

Holocaust Remembrance Day calls on us to confront hatred in all its forms and to recognize the patterns that lead to genocide. Remembering is not only about the past, it’s about shaping a more just and compassionate future.

This February, we are partnering with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and several other community partners to bring Violins of Hope to Iowa. 

Violins of Hope is an international collection of historic string instruments connected to Jewish musicians and the Holocaust. Many of these instruments were played in ghettos, concentration camps, and in hiding. Lovingly restored by the Weinstein family, the instruments now travel the world sharing stories of resilience, hope and the enduring power of music. The instruments were restored to be played as part of a living exhibition to honor those who were lost while celebrating the strength of those who endured.

One of several instruments that will be on display at the GAHC+M is the “Auschwitz Violin.” Made in the workshop of Schweitzer in Germany, around 1850, this instrument was originally owned by an inmate who played in the men’s orchestra at the concentration camp in Auschwitz and survived. 

Many years later,  this violin was donated to Violins of Hope to be fully restored and come back to life. Since then, this violin, now restored to perfect condition, has been played in concerts by the best musicians all over the world.

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 81 years ago, Soviet soldiers liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where over one million people were murdered.

On this day, we honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with countless others who suffered under Nazi persecution. We remember their lives, their stories, and their humanity.

Holocaust Remembrance Day calls on us to confront hatred in all its forms and to recognize the patterns that lead to genocide. Remembering is not only about the past, it’s about shaping a more just and compassionate future.

This February, we are partnering with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and several other community partners to bring Violins of Hope to Iowa.

Violins of Hope is an international collection of historic string instruments connected to Jewish musicians and the Holocaust. Many of these instruments were played in ghettos, concentration camps, and in hiding. Lovingly restored by the Weinstein family, the instruments now travel the world sharing stories of resilience, hope and the enduring power of music. The instruments were restored to be played as part of a living exhibition to honor those who were lost while celebrating the strength of those who endured.

One of several instruments that will be on display at the GAHC+M is the “Auschwitz Violin.” Made in the workshop of Schweitzer in Germany, around 1850, this instrument was originally owned by an inmate who played in the men’s orchestra at the concentration camp in Auschwitz and survived.

Many years later, this violin was donated to Violins of Hope to be fully restored and come back to life. Since then, this violin, now restored to perfect condition, has been played in concerts by the best musicians all over the world.
…

Open
🚜 We are excited to reveal a project that has recently been completed in our permanent exhibition space! 

🌾 We have new signage, updated stories, and new artifacts installed in one of our exhibition displays highlighting the agriculture and business contributions brought here by German immigrants. This case has seen minimal changes since it's original installation in 2009, and it was in desperate need of updating. 

🪣 One of our new artifacts is a neck yoke belonging to George Nihart. He grew up in Muscatine after immigrating from Germany around 1884, when he was 2 years old.  He used this tool to carry water from the slough to his home for his family. This was once a normal part of daily life, especially for families in rural areas before running water was a commonality. We are honored to preserve stories like these through artifacts and objects belonging to local immigrant families.

✅ Thank you to Edwards Creative for working with us on the design and installation. The content is now easier to read, more accessible to a wider audience, and more visually appealing to visitors. Thank you to @silosandsmokestacks for partially funding this project and for all their hard work preserving the story of agriculture in Iowa.

🚜 We are excited to reveal a project that has recently been completed in our permanent exhibition space!

🌾 We have new signage, updated stories, and new artifacts installed in one of our exhibition displays highlighting the agriculture and business contributions brought here by German immigrants. This case has seen minimal changes since it`s original installation in 2009, and it was in desperate need of updating.

🪣 One of our new artifacts is a neck yoke belonging to George Nihart. He grew up in Muscatine after immigrating from Germany around 1884, when he was 2 years old. He used this tool to carry water from the slough to his home for his family. This was once a normal part of daily life, especially for families in rural areas before running water was a commonality. We are honored to preserve stories like these through artifacts and objects belonging to local immigrant families.

✅ Thank you to Edwards Creative for working with us on the design and installation. The content is now easier to read, more accessible to a wider audience, and more visually appealing to visitors. Thank you to @silosandsmokestacks for partially funding this project and for all their hard work preserving the story of agriculture in Iowa.
…

Open
🎶 Our newest exhibition, "Play On! German Influence on QC Music History" is now on display in the 3rd floor gallery. We highlight some of the major names in local music history like Johann Strasser and Ernst Otto, as well as some artifacts and stories on loan from the @bixmuseum. 

🍰 Check out our new exhibition and learn about Blues history this Sunday for our Kaffee und Kuchen program with musician Chris Stevens. Programs are included in regular museum admission rates. RSVP is recommended but walk ins are welcome. Link in bio.

🎶 Our newest exhibition, "Play On! German Influence on QC Music History" is now on display in the 3rd floor gallery. We highlight some of the major names in local music history like Johann Strasser and Ernst Otto, as well as some artifacts and stories on loan from the @bixmuseum.

🍰 Check out our new exhibition and learn about Blues history this Sunday for our Kaffee und Kuchen program with musician Chris Stevens. Programs are included in regular museum admission rates. RSVP is recommended but walk ins are welcome. Link in bio.
…

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.

Our first individual is "Molly Pitcher." Mary Ludwig Hays was born in 1754 in New Jersey to German immigrants Maria Margaretha and Johann George Ludwig. 

🪣 During the Revolutionary War, she joined her husband at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. She brought water to cool the canons and helped parched soldiers in their fight against the British. After her husband was wounded, she took over his canon and continued to fire it. Her nickname is said to have arisen from the troops calling for aid – “Molly, pitcher!” She was commended by George Washington and was the first woman to be awarded a military pension from the US Congress.

Molly was a common nickname for Mary in the Revolutionary time period. Historians are not 100% sure that it was Mary Hays, but there are several accounts of women helping the revolution. The name "Molly Pitcher" is considered a collective generic term, serving as a common label for the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of women who served not only as ammunition wives, manning and firing the guns, but also in the army and colonial militia.

Mary Hays passed away on this day, January 22, 1832. She is commemorated by markers in several places, including Monmouth Battle Monument in Freehold, New Jersey, and on her grave in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

📷 Image from the Library of Congress.

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.

Our first individual is "Molly Pitcher." Mary Ludwig Hays was born in 1754 in New Jersey to German immigrants Maria Margaretha and Johann George Ludwig.

🪣 During the Revolutionary War, she joined her husband at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. She brought water to cool the canons and helped parched soldiers in their fight against the British. After her husband was wounded, she took over his canon and continued to fire it. Her nickname is said to have arisen from the troops calling for aid – “Molly, pitcher!” She was commended by George Washington and was the first woman to be awarded a military pension from the US Congress.

Molly was a common nickname for Mary in the Revolutionary time period. Historians are not 100% sure that it was Mary Hays, but there are several accounts of women helping the revolution. The name "Molly Pitcher" is considered a collective generic term, serving as a common label for the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of women who served not only as ammunition wives, manning and firing the guns, but also in the army and colonial militia.

Mary Hays passed away on this day, January 22, 1832. She is commemorated by markers in several places, including Monmouth Battle Monument in Freehold, New Jersey, and on her grave in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

📷 Image from the Library of Congress.
…

Open
➡️ COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE 
FREE ADMISSION

January 16-18, 2026
Friday & Saturday open 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday open 12-4 pm

Join us for our annual Community Open House and visit our exhibitions free of charge. Including our permanent exhibition, The German Immigrant Experience, interactive children's space, and rotating exhibition, Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities' Musical Legacy.

🛍️ Stop by for special deals on new memberships and a raffle with a purchase in the gift shop.

🧝👺 Visit us on Sunday 1/18 for a special 'Perchten Faire' celebration from 2-5 pm. "Perchten" is an ancient pagan festival, meant to drive out the 'devils of winter' in early December with a 'Perchtenlauf' or parade of these devil like creatures through the centre of villages.

Originating in central Europe and carried down across the centuries, it's a tradition strongly associated with the Alpine regions and the midwinter need to drive out bad souls.

Join us on the 4th floor for folk stories, poetry readings, a barter and trade corner market, porridge tastings, and more. Costumes or masks encouraged. German beer available for purchase. 21+.

➡️ COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
FREE ADMISSION

January 16-18, 2026
Friday & Saturday open 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday open 12-4 pm

Join us for our annual Community Open House and visit our exhibitions free of charge. Including our permanent exhibition, The German Immigrant Experience, interactive children`s space, and rotating exhibition, Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities` Musical Legacy.

🛍️ Stop by for special deals on new memberships and a raffle with a purchase in the gift shop.

🧝👺 Visit us on Sunday 1/18 for a special `Perchten Faire` celebration from 2-5 pm. "Perchten" is an ancient pagan festival, meant to drive out the `devils of winter` in early December with a `Perchtenlauf` or parade of these devil like creatures through the centre of villages.

Originating in central Europe and carried down across the centuries, it`s a tradition strongly associated with the Alpine regions and the midwinter need to drive out bad souls.

Join us on the 4th floor for folk stories, poetry readings, a barter and trade corner market, porridge tastings, and more. Costumes or masks encouraged. German beer available for purchase. 21+.
…

Open
Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr!

This photo shows a family around the Christmas Tree in their home in 1910. It was donated to us by Collene Root, 2009.070.4A.

What holiday traditions have your family preserved through the generations? Have you started your own traditions?

Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr!

This photo shows a family around the Christmas Tree in their home in 1910. It was donated to us by Collene Root, 2009.070.4A.

What holiday traditions have your family preserved through the generations? Have you started your own traditions?
…

Open
Ever wonder how we install the largest advent calendar in the Midwest? 

This is our 10th year of lighting up the building in December with designs made by the 7th grade students at the @creativeartsacademyqc. Each day we unveil a new design with a countdown to Christmas! Drive by in the evening to see all the designs lit up until January 6th.

Thank you @germanyinmidwest and @edscreative for their partnership and support!
#museum #german #asmr #iowa

Ever wonder how we install the largest advent calendar in the Midwest?

This is our 10th year of lighting up the building in December with designs made by the 7th grade students at the @creativeartsacademyqc. Each day we unveil a new design with a countdown to Christmas! Drive by in the evening to see all the designs lit up until January 6th.

Thank you @germanyinmidwest and @edscreative for their partnership and support!
#museum #german #asmr #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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