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    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • German Expressionist Prints
    • Immigrant Innovators: The Fruehauf Trailer Company
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Travel
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    • About Us
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Martin Luther

November 1, 2023 |
 6:00 pm -
 7:00 pm
$0-5

Register Here

An illustrated lecture presentation featuring a rich visual component from Luther sites in Germany

Martin Luther and His Seminal Translation of the New Testament

During his nearly yearlong protective seclusion at Wartburg Castle above Eisenach, Electoral Saxony, Germany, following his refusal in 1521 to recant before Emperor Charles V at the Imperial Diet at Worms, excommunication by the Roman Church, and condemnation in the Edict of Worms, Martin Luther embarked on his monumental translation of the New Testament from the original Greek into masterful German. First published in 1522, the September Testament (Das Newe Testament Deutzsch) was a work of linguistic genius and an immediate best seller. Luther’s seminal translation lent vitality and did justice to the heart and spirit of Holy Scripture, provided unprecedented public access to it and a means to fortify Christian faith. At the same time, Luther’s New Testament translation also provided an extraordinary model of German that was widely embraced and which in no small measure contributed to the modern standard German language. The formal presentation examines the historical context, components, methods, character, and impact of Luther’s translation, and features a comprehensive visual supplement. Included are museum period portraits of Martin Luther, Pope Leo X, Prince Elector Frederick III—the Wise, Philipp Melanchthon, and Luther’s beloved Katharina von Bora. Also featured from museum exhibits are the 95 Theses, the 1522 September Testament, complete 1534 Luther Bible, and related Reformation era documents. The visual component also includes on-site images of the Wartburg and Luther’s quarters 1521-1522, Eisenach, Wittenberg, the Schlosskirche (Castle Church), and the Lutherstube (family living quarters) in the former Black Cloister (Lutherhaus).

FREE for members, $5 for non-members, register here.

About the Speaker:

“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” is one of several recent publications and illustrated lectures in Lutheran, Reformation, German, and ethnic German history by Russell Baldner. Among the presenter’s earliest forays in German primary source historical research were family documents and original manuscripts of his ancestral German-Lutheran congregation written in Kurrentschrift, an archaic seldom read German cursive script. 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, a career in education, and lifetime of research, publication, and public speaking in those and related fields, as well as repeated sojourns in ancestral Germany. In September 2022, Russell and wife Cathryn co-hosted “Medieval to Modern Hearts of Germany,” a two-week group tour in northeastern Germany proposed and largely designed by Baldner in conjunction with and sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa, his alma mater. Included were return visits to major Martin Luther historical sites; pre-departure orientations by Baldner focusing on Germany’s history, language, and social-cultural landscape, as well as supplemental historical lectures and commentaries while on tour; and a renewed and welcome opportunity daily to converse in the language of his heritage.

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German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

1,287 1,593

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

Open
This week's From Hitler to Hollywood film was Fritz Lang's "The Big Heat" (1953). Lang was a powerhouse of a screenwriter and director between the 1920s through late 50s. His works range from romantic noirs to psychological thrillers, inspired by the German Expressionist movement of the early 20th century.

Nicknamed "Master of Darkness" by the British Film Institute, Fritz Lang (Austrian) created films such as Metropolis (1927), Fury (1936), The Woman in the Window (1944), and so much more worth noting.

Critics in the 20th century have found Lang's films unsuitable for enjoyment; despite this, his works thrived in America. "The Big Heat" was certainly a favorite of American audiences. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week at The Last Picture House. We hope you found Lang's work suitable for enjoyment. Join us next week for "Shanghai Express" starring Marlene Dietrich and Anna May Wong.

Public Domain photographs

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#museumenthusiast #museumtour #museum #arthistory #citymuseum #art #travel #historical #museumart #sculpture #aesthete #history #hollywood #oldhollywoodglamour #goldenageofhollywood #classichollywood #silverscreen #hollywoodglamour #hollywoodicon #hollywoodgoldenage #actor #actress #decades #film #talkies #silents #silentfilm #film #photography  #GermanAmericanHeritageCenter

This week`s From Hitler to Hollywood film was Fritz Lang`s "The Big Heat" (1953). Lang was a powerhouse of a screenwriter and director between the 1920s through late 50s. His works range from romantic noirs to psychological thrillers, inspired by the German Expressionist movement of the early 20th century.

Nicknamed "Master of Darkness" by the British Film Institute, Fritz Lang (Austrian) created films such as Metropolis (1927), Fury (1936), The Woman in the Window (1944), and so much more worth noting.

Critics in the 20th century have found Lang`s films unsuitable for enjoyment; despite this, his works thrived in America. "The Big Heat" was certainly a favorite of American audiences.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week at The Last Picture House. We hope you found Lang`s work suitable for enjoyment. Join us next week for "Shanghai Express" starring Marlene Dietrich and Anna May Wong.

Public Domain photographs

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#museumenthusiast #museumtour #museum #arthistory #citymuseum #art #travel #historical #museumart #sculpture #aesthete #history #hollywood #oldhollywoodglamour #goldenageofhollywood #classichollywood #silverscreen #hollywoodglamour #hollywoodicon #hollywoodgoldenage #actor #actress #decades #film #talkies #silents #silentfilm #film #photography #GermanAmericanHeritageCenter
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Open
The Big Heat, 6pm tonight at the Last Picture House. Davenport Iowa. 

Special thanks to the The Last Picture House and Truth First Film Alliance for supporting us in our mission.

Q&A After the show!
Artwork by local QC artist, Bruce Walters.

The Big Heat, 6pm tonight at the Last Picture House. Davenport Iowa.

Special thanks to the The Last Picture House and Truth First Film Alliance for supporting us in our mission.

Q&A After the show!
Artwork by local QC artist, Bruce Walters.
…

Open
🍻 🇩🇪 Love Oktoberfest as much as we do?? Get involved and help make the event great!

We are looking to fill volunteer spots for Oktoberfest Davenport on Saturday September 20th, 2025 at K-Square! Volunteers get complimentary drink tickets, a meal ticket, and an optional admission ticket to Oktoberfest Rock Island on October 4th. 

💪  As a small non-profit organization, we rely heavily on volunteers for help with set up, clean up, and everything in between. Help us make this event seamless by pitching in and making Downtown Davenport a great place to hang out!

Check out our openings and sign up here: https://signup.com/go/kxvtoBp

🍻 🇩🇪 Love Oktoberfest as much as we do?? Get involved and help make the event great!

We are looking to fill volunteer spots for Oktoberfest Davenport on Saturday September 20th, 2025 at K-Square! Volunteers get complimentary drink tickets, a meal ticket, and an optional admission ticket to Oktoberfest Rock Island on October 4th.

💪 As a small non-profit organization, we rely heavily on volunteers for help with set up, clean up, and everything in between. Help us make this event seamless by pitching in and making Downtown Davenport a great place to hang out!

Check out our openings and sign up here: https://signup.com/go/kxvtoBp
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Open
Get a FREE Expressionist-Inspired Print!

Through December 14th, 2025 or while supplies last.

Visit both the GAHC+M and the Figge's Expressionist exhibitions and receive a FREE original print made by local artist Joseph Lappie. Inspired by Expressionist forms, movement, style, and incorporating local landmarks, these prints are available at the front desk. Just show us that you visited both exhibitions! (picture, receipt, etc.)

Get a FREE Expressionist-Inspired Print!

Through December 14th, 2025 or while supplies last.

Visit both the GAHC+M and the Figge`s Expressionist exhibitions and receive a FREE original print made by local artist Joseph Lappie. Inspired by Expressionist forms, movement, style, and incorporating local landmarks, these prints are available at the front desk. Just show us that you visited both exhibitions! (picture, receipt, etc.)
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Open
Some Iconic film stills from Sunset Boulevard (1950).

Thank you to everyone who came out to see this film in support of the German American Heritage Center, @thelastpichouse , and Truth First Cinema Alliance Inc. This series would not be possible without your support. 

Join us again at the Last Picture House next week on September 10th for The Big Heat!
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#gloraswanson #silentfilm #sunsetboulevard #classics #oldhollywood #oldhollywoodglamour #talkies #filmhistory #film #photographs #reel #filmstills

Some Iconic film stills from Sunset Boulevard (1950).

Thank you to everyone who came out to see this film in support of the German American Heritage Center, @thelastpichouse , and Truth First Cinema Alliance Inc. This series would not be possible without your support.

Join us again at the Last Picture House next week on September 10th for The Big Heat!
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#gloraswanson #silentfilm #sunsetboulevard #classics #oldhollywood #oldhollywoodglamour #talkies #filmhistory #film #photographs #reel #filmstills
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Open
Sunset Boulevard, 6pm tonight at the Last Picture House. Davenport, Iowa.

Special thanks to @thelastpichouse  and Truth First Film Alliance for supporting us in our mission.

Q&A after the show!
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#gloriaswanson #sunsetboulevard #oldhollywood #hollywoodglamour #silentfilm #talkiefilm #movie #film #movingpicture #lastpicturehouse #filmstill #germanheritage #germanamerican #immigrant #history #filmhistory #classics

Sunset Boulevard, 6pm tonight at the Last Picture House. Davenport, Iowa.

Special thanks to @thelastpichouse and Truth First Film Alliance for supporting us in our mission.

Q&A after the show!
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#gloriaswanson #sunsetboulevard #oldhollywood #hollywoodglamour #silentfilm #talkiefilm #movie #film #movingpicture #lastpicturehouse #filmstill #germanheritage #germanamerican #immigrant #history #filmhistory #classics
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Open
Sunset Boulevard (1950) is a dramatic noir film that displays the stark contrast between silent and talkie films at the height of the Golden Age of Hollywood. This film follows Joe Fillis in his attempt to escape reality by taking advantage of the delusions that fading star Norma Desmond offers him.

It stars Gloria Swanson, William Holden, and Nancy Olson, with appearances by Buster Keaton, Anna Q. Nilsson, and H.B. Warner. Music score by Franz Waxman, the German refugee who gave Hollywood its signature sound. Written and Directed by Billy Wilder. 

Artwork by Bruce Walters

Sunset Boulevard will be shown at @thelastpichouse  on September 3rd, 2025 at 6pm. 
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#oldhollywood #silentfilm #talkie #hollywood #filmhistory #art #arthistory #oldhollywoodglamour #film #reel #german #heritage #refugee #immigrants #gloriaswanson

Sunset Boulevard (1950) is a dramatic noir film that displays the stark contrast between silent and talkie films at the height of the Golden Age of Hollywood. This film follows Joe Fillis in his attempt to escape reality by taking advantage of the delusions that fading star Norma Desmond offers him.

It stars Gloria Swanson, William Holden, and Nancy Olson, with appearances by Buster Keaton, Anna Q. Nilsson, and H.B. Warner. Music score by Franz Waxman, the German refugee who gave Hollywood its signature sound. Written and Directed by Billy Wilder.

Artwork by Bruce Walters

Sunset Boulevard will be shown at @thelastpichouse on September 3rd, 2025 at 6pm.
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#oldhollywood #silentfilm #talkie #hollywood #filmhistory #art #arthistory #oldhollywoodglamour #film #reel #german #heritage #refugee #immigrants #gloriaswanson
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Open
Our next Cyanotype Workshop is coming up on September 7th! Learn this early form of photography with a few simple materials and create your own prints with materials provided. Register at the link in our bio.

Long before digital cameras, scientists and artists captured the world in a striking shade of blue. The cyanotype process, invented in 1842 by English chemist Sir John Herschel, used light-sensitive iron salts to create vivid blue and white images. Best known today for its use in early “blueprints” and the delicate botanical prints of Anna Atkins, cyanotype was quickly embraced across Europe, including by German photographers and scientists eager to explore its artistic and practical potential. By the late 19th century, German experimenters such as Henry Bosse advanced studies of photographic chemistry, paving the way for cyanotype’s role as both a scientific tool and an expressive medium.

Henry Bosse immigrated to the United States and worked in Rock island as a cartographer and draughtsman. He also worked on taking cyanotype photographs on the Mississippi River Valley.

Our next Cyanotype Workshop is coming up on September 7th! Learn this early form of photography with a few simple materials and create your own prints with materials provided. Register at the link in our bio.

Long before digital cameras, scientists and artists captured the world in a striking shade of blue. The cyanotype process, invented in 1842 by English chemist Sir John Herschel, used light-sensitive iron salts to create vivid blue and white images. Best known today for its use in early “blueprints” and the delicate botanical prints of Anna Atkins, cyanotype was quickly embraced across Europe, including by German photographers and scientists eager to explore its artistic and practical potential. By the late 19th century, German experimenters such as Henry Bosse advanced studies of photographic chemistry, paving the way for cyanotype’s role as both a scientific tool and an expressive medium.

Henry Bosse immigrated to the United States and worked in Rock island as a cartographer and draughtsman. He also worked on taking cyanotype photographs on the Mississippi River Valley.
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VISIT US

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

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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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This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.