Kaffee und Kuchen
June 8, 2025 |
1:30 pm -
3:00 pm
$0-8
This program will be available both in-person and virtually via Zoom. Zoom access will be sent via email before the program. A recording will be available afterwards. For help, call 563-322-8844 or email [email protected].
It is for very good reason that Dresden, Germany, has been called a “Cultural Center of World Renown” and, in recognition of its artistic and cultural wealth, “Florence [Italy] of the North.”
For centuries, Dresden and the former Electorate and Kingdom of Saxony enjoyed a prominent and illustrious role in the history of Germany and greater Europe. Today, the rich heritage of Saxony and its traditional capital city continues intact and is abundantly expressed in the splendid architecture, sumptuous treasure, and creative expression found in the historic Dresden Altstadt (Old City).
Despite extensive devastation and an enormous toll on human life shortly before the end of World War II, Dresden arose from the rubble and ashes and was beautifully restored, its iconic
and most glorious landmark, the Frauenkirche—Church of Our Lady—representing indomitable faith and fortitude, the common bonds of humanity, and the gracious spirit of reconciliation. It
is a story both tragic and uplifting, poignant and hopeful.
The generously illustrated Dresden presentation provides helpful historical context and features a broad selection of striking images, including on a perfect day a glorious view of the
city from far on high.
Please join us for Kaffee und Kuchen as we visit the vibrant historic Altstadt and explore “Dresden, Germany: A Royal Saxon Jewel.”
1:30 refreshments
2:00 program
FREE for members
$8 for non-members
“Dresden, Germany: A Royal Saxon Jewel” is one of several recent publications and illustrated lectures in German and ethnic German history and language by Russell Baldner. As a youth, Russell’s early affection for the German language and history led to B.A. and M.A. degrees in history and undergraduate and graduate study in German, anthropology, and archaeology, as well as a career in education and a lifetime of research, publication, and public speaking in those and related fields. Those same historical and linguistic interests also led to repeated sojourns in ancestral Germany, most recently in October 2025. In September 2022, Russ and wife Cathryn hosted “Medieval to Modern Hearts of Germany,” a two-week, 17-member group tour in northeastern Germany proposed, named, and largely designed by Baldner in conjunction with and sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa, his alma mater.
Included in the tour were pre-departure orientations by Russell focusing on the history of Germany, practical German language for travelers, and Germany’s social-cultural landscape, as well as after-dinner historical lectures and on-site interpretive commentaries while on tour in Germany. The itinerary also included a return visit to the Dresden and a renewed and welcome opportunity for Russ to hear and converse daily in the language of his heritage.
Russ and Cathy look forward once again to gemütlich Kaffee und Kuchen and joining the always gracious hosts, hospitality, and engaging guests at the German American Heritage Center, as together we explore and share insights into yet another facet of Germanic history and heritage.
We are a proud participant in Blue Star Museums which offers free admission for active military and their immediate families. The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and run through Labor Day, September 1, 2025.
Come view our exhibitions, attend a Kaffee und Kuchen program, and more. Check out all of the participating museums here: https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map
Enjoy our seasonal guided tours of the museum! Our next tour is this Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 am.
The tour is open to the public and included with regular admission.
View our admission rates: https://gahc.org/admission-2/
Tour begins at 11:00 am in the lobby. No RSVP required. The tour will last until approximately 12:30.
Visitors will explore our permanent exhibition, The German Immigrant Experience, along with our two rotating galleries.
The tour is open to all ages. We have children’s activity kits and sensory kits available at the front desk for visitors to use for free during their visit.
Learn more on our website: https://gahc.org/events/guided-museum-tour/
Our Next Kaffee und Kuchen is this Sunday, May 18th. Join us for cake, coffee, and conversation about a local historic treasure, The Hauberg Estate.
The Weyerhaeuser and Denkmann Lumber Company helped shape the Midwest’s lumber industry, with Frederick Denkmann and Friedrich Weyerhaeuser building one of the most successful timber businesses of the 19th century. The Hauberg family, through Susanne Denkmann Hauberg (Denkmann’s daughter and her husband John Hauberg), continued this legacy of business leadership and philanthropy in Rock Island. Their impact lives on in local landmarks including the estate, which is now a civic center, historic home museum, and public gathering space.
This program is free for our members and $8 for non-members. Registration is encouraged but not required: https://events.humanitix.com/kaffee-und-kuchen-the-hauberg-estate
We have LOVED seeing your favorites from our Recent Acquisitions exhibition. 💕
We are so thrilled to see our visitors make connections to items from our collection to things or people in their own lives.
This exhibition is open through June 1st, so make sure to come by and see it if you haven`t already.
📍 712 W 2nd St
Davenport, Iowa 52802
Sundays 12 – 4 pm
Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm
Did you know our banquet hall is available to rent? With gorgeous views of downtown Davenport, competitive rates, ample parking spaces, no catering contracts, this is a great space to utilize for graduation parties, birthday parties, wedding showers, and more!
To inquire about rates and availability, contact [email protected] or by calling 563-322-8844. All details available on our website: https://gahc.org/private-events/
We have some new items in our gift shop! We have large canvas tote bags with various designs including Gustave Klimt and Albrecht Dürer. These would make great Mother`s Day gifts or a fun summer purchase for trips to the farmer`s market. ☀️🎁🎨🧺🌱
Purchases in our museum are always tax free!
$16.00 each
$14.40 member price
📍 712 W 2nd Street
Davenport, Iowa 52802
Become a Volunteer Tour Guide This Summer at the GAHC+M!
The German American Heritage Center is seeking volunteer tour guides to present our Historic Summer Walking Tours through the Gold Coast Neighborhood. Our tours explore the architecture and rich history of the homes and businesses in one of Davenport`s oldest neighborhoods. As a tour guide, you will lead intimate groups along a 1.5 mile route stopping at a selection of some of the most interesting sites in our historically German neighborhood.
Skills Required: Tour guides should be comfortable walking uphill and public speaking. Training will be provided.
Tours occur on the following Saturdays this summer: June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23. (Volunteers are not required to be available for all tour dates.)
To apply: Send a letter of interest to [email protected].
Choice for this position is dependent on an interview.
Please submit your letter of interest no later than Friday May 27th.
Pictured: Henry Lischer House. Lischer was the owner and publisher of one of Davenport`s German-language newspapers, "Der Demokrat." The paper was founded by German immigrants in November 1851 and went defunct in 1918 due to anti-German attitudes during World War I.
Our next Kaffee und Kuchen program is this Sunday May 4th! Linda Meadors will be talking about our upcoming Rhine cruise trip in the summer of 2026. This program is FREE and open to the public. It will be a great afternoon of learning about wonderful sites on the Rhine and the beautiful landscapes through the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
*May Kaffee und Kuchen programs are on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month due to holiday conflicts.
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