History of Toy Making in Germany
August 20, 2023 |
2:00 pm -
3:00 pm
$0-5
This presentation will cover the German doll and toy industry from the Middle Ages to today.
Register in advance here.
About the Speaker:
Ellen M. Tsagaris, JD, PhD, has collected dolls since age three. She gives lectures, stages museum exhibits, appraises, and makes dolls. Dr. Tsagaris writes books and articles about dolls, including With Love from Tin Lizzie; A History of Metal Dolls and A Bibliography of Doll and Toy Sources. Her articles are found in Antique Doll Collector, Antique Trader, The Midwestern Journal of Victorian Studies and The American Journal of Play. She blogged for R. John Wright, Ruby Lane, and Antique Doll Collector and was a guest columnist for the Argus/Dispatch. She has won several writing awards and has appeared on radio and television programs. She is currently the Executive Director of the American Doll and Toy Museum in Rock Island, Illinois.
Did you know the Col Ballroom in the West End of Davenport, is part of the National Register of Historic Places?
Though renamed in 1914, Col Ballroom originates from the Saengerfest Halle. This building brought together German musicians across the Midwest. Today it is no longer a performance venue, but we can keep its legacy alive by talking about it.
Now on display in our first floor gallery.
Visits are free this month! Come see this exhibit and more, our hours are, Tues-Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm, and Closed on Mondays.
This Sunday, July 13th from 12:00 am- 4:00 pm, we`ll host our 8th annual Best of the Wurst sausage competition! Guests can sample local brats, purchase a variety of delicious food, enjoy an ice cold beer or pop, and vote for your favorite “wurst!” This year we will also ice cream from Here`s the Scoop to taste! Live music, ice cream, and balloon twisting are just some of the special activities we have planned. $5 entry per person, kids under 12 and members are free. Tickets are available at the door, cash or card is accepted. Take a look at some photos from last year`s Best of the Wurst competition:
Join us Sunday July 13th from 12:00- 4:00 pm for our 8th annual Best of the Wurst sausage competition! Sample local brats, purchase a variety of delicious food, enjoy an ice cold beer or pop, and vote for your favorite “wurst!” Live music, ice cream, and balloon twisting are just some of the special activities we have planned. $5 entry per person, kids under 12 and members are free. Tickets are available at the door, cash or card is accepted. Here`s a throwback to last year`s Best of the Wurst!
🎆 The museum will be closed on Friday July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
Have a safe and fun holiday! We will be back open regular hours on Saturday.
Haven`t been to the museum before or has it been a while? Need something to do with out-of-town guests or kids on summer break? We are thrilled to offer FREE ADMISSION for the entire month of July!
With new exhibitions including, "German Expressionist Prints," and "The Prints of David and Sarojini Johnson," along with our permanent exhibition, "The German Immigrant Experience," there is something for all ages and interest levels. Or just come take a look out of our 4th floor windows and take in a beautiful view of downtown Davenport and the Mississippi River.
Thank you to Cal and Jill Werner for making Free Admission in July possible.
Wow!
In 2024, we raised over $41,000 through Birdies for Charity! As of June 25, 2025, we have just over $34,000 pledged to the GAHC+M through Birdies for charity. Our goal for this year is to reach $42,000.
If you have already given, we express our sincere gratitude for your gift this year. If you have not given yet, consider giving a gift in any amount to help support our mission and ensure we are here for generations to come.
If you give through Birdies for Charity by July 4th, your gift will be matched 5-10%, adding to the impact you can make for present and future generations.
HOW TO DONATE:
MAIL – Send us a check made out to "Birdies for Charity"
ONLINE – Visit https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=1002#/
Cruise the Historic Rhine June 2026!
This is the LAST CHANCE to book our river cruise trip with FREE AIRFARE from the Quad Cities Airport. This offer is only good through Monday June 30th, 2025. There are still a few spaces left, but the free air offer expires tomorrow.
Contact Linda Meadors from Blue Horizon Travel at 309-235-5806 or [email protected].
For 10 days, cruise along the beautiful Rhine from Amsterdam to Lucerne, exploring all of the history, landscapes, cultures, and more on a gorgeous Emerald Cruise Star Ship.
Learn more about the trip and see the full itinerary here: https://gahc.org/travel/
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