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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
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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

1,391 1,739

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

Open
Have you seen the Violins of Hope yet?

The last day to view our exhibition is Sunday April 26th. Be sure to stop by and see them before they are gone!

Have you seen the Violins of Hope yet?

The last day to view our exhibition is Sunday April 26th. Be sure to stop by and see them before they are gone!
…

Open
Have you seen the Violins of Hope yet? 

The last day to see these incredible instruments is Sunday April 26th. Be sure to see them at the German American Heritage Center and Museum before they're gone!

Have you seen the Violins of Hope yet?

The last day to see these incredible instruments is Sunday April 26th. Be sure to see them at the German American Heritage Center and Museum before they`re gone!
…

Open
Join us for a FREE program at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport this Sunday, April 19th. 

In a work of historical fiction based on oral histories, Mary Swander dramatizes the trials of a young Amish man from Kalona, Iowa, who thought he was headed to the Rocky Mountains for a stint of public service as a smoke jumper in lieu of combat during World War II. Instead, he was led off the train by renegade soldiers and illegally imprisoned in a chicken coop with ten other men until the war’s end.

After the performance, join Mary Swander for a discussion about her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She will recount how she got the original idea for the show and the choices she made to bring the story to the stage, how both the set and the script were an act of discovery. She will also provide background on the Amish and the history of their stance of non-violent resistance throughout their history. 

Thank you to Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa for making this program possible. RSVP for this event online: https://events.humanitix.com/coop-a-story-of-an-amish-conscientious-objector

Join us for a FREE program at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport this Sunday, April 19th.

In a work of historical fiction based on oral histories, Mary Swander dramatizes the trials of a young Amish man from Kalona, Iowa, who thought he was headed to the Rocky Mountains for a stint of public service as a smoke jumper in lieu of combat during World War II. Instead, he was led off the train by renegade soldiers and illegally imprisoned in a chicken coop with ten other men until the war’s end.

After the performance, join Mary Swander for a discussion about her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She will recount how she got the original idea for the show and the choices she made to bring the story to the stage, how both the set and the script were an act of discovery. She will also provide background on the Amish and the history of their stance of non-violent resistance throughout their history.

Thank you to Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa for making this program possible. RSVP for this event online: https://events.humanitix.com/coop-a-story-of-an-amish-conscientious-objector
…

Open
Thomas Meinecke is a German novelist, musician, and Radio DJ. He was born in Hamburg in 1955 and lives in pre-alpine Bavaria south of Munich. His novels are always fueled by music, many kinds of music. The earliest was the music of renowned Davenport musician, Bix Beiderbecke.

"A poster of him with his cornet hung in my room when I was a teenager. On my tour across the United States in April with my novels, it is a dream come true to come to Davenport and listen to some of my favorite Bix records with you and talk about the mystery of his very special music."

Join us for an evening of refreshments, conversation, and listening sessions with Thomas Meinecke as he shares his love of music and Bix Beiderbecke. Thank you to the @goetheinstitut.chicago for making this program possible.

Doors 5:00
Program 5:30

Free and open to the public, suggested donation $10.
Cash Bar available.
RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-musical-evening-with-thomas-meinecke

Thomas Meinecke is a German novelist, musician, and Radio DJ. He was born in Hamburg in 1955 and lives in pre-alpine Bavaria south of Munich. His novels are always fueled by music, many kinds of music. The earliest was the music of renowned Davenport musician, Bix Beiderbecke.

"A poster of him with his cornet hung in my room when I was a teenager. On my tour across the United States in April with my novels, it is a dream come true to come to Davenport and listen to some of my favorite Bix records with you and talk about the mystery of his very special music."

Join us for an evening of refreshments, conversation, and listening sessions with Thomas Meinecke as he shares his love of music and Bix Beiderbecke. Thank you to the @goetheinstitut.chicago for making this program possible.

Doors 5:00
Program 5:30

Free and open to the public, suggested donation $10.
Cash Bar available.
RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-musical-evening-with-thomas-meinecke
…

Open
Join us for a FREE program at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport this Sunday, April 19th. 

In a work of historical fiction based on oral histories, Mary Swander dramatizes the trials of a young Amish man from Kalona, Iowa, who thought he was headed to the Rocky Mountains for a stint of public service as a smoke jumper in lieu of combat during World War II. Instead, he was led off the train by renegade soldiers and illegally imprisoned in a chicken coop with ten other men until the war’s end.

After the performance, join Mary Swander for a discussion about her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She will recount how she got the original idea for the show and the choices she made to bring the story to the stage, how both the set and the script were an act of discovery. She will also provide background on the Amish and the history of their stance of non-violent resistance throughout their history. 

Thank you to Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa for making this program possible.

Join us for a FREE program at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport this Sunday, April 19th.

In a work of historical fiction based on oral histories, Mary Swander dramatizes the trials of a young Amish man from Kalona, Iowa, who thought he was headed to the Rocky Mountains for a stint of public service as a smoke jumper in lieu of combat during World War II. Instead, he was led off the train by renegade soldiers and illegally imprisoned in a chicken coop with ten other men until the war’s end.

After the performance, join Mary Swander for a discussion about her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She will recount how she got the original idea for the show and the choices she made to bring the story to the stage, how both the set and the script were an act of discovery. She will also provide background on the Amish and the history of their stance of non-violent resistance throughout their history.

Thank you to Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa for making this program possible.
…

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.
…

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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