Martin Luther
November 1, 2023 |
6:00 pm -
7:00 pm
$0-5
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.
Unlock the world of 20th century creative visionaries at the German American Heritage Center and Museum:
Currently on display are 20th century, German Expressionist Prints from the David and Sarojini Johnson Collection. Come visit us now through December 14th to have the chance to see original works from artists like Max Beckmann and Käthe Kollwitz.
Admission is free for the entire month of July. Thank you to Cal and Jill Werner for making free admission possible.
We are open:
Tues-Sat 10am to 4pm
Sun 12pm-4pm
Closed on Mondays
Best of the Wurst was amazing! After a day of sampling and voting, this year`s winner was the Black Forest wurst from Jerry`s Market. 🌭🇩🇪
You can visit Jerry`s Market in Moline, IL to get more bratwurst and other delicious foods to take home. Visit their old-fashioned grocery store and butcher shop at
📍1609 17th St, Moline, Illinois.
Thanks to our premier sponsor, Zimmerman Honda for making this event possible. Thank you to WVIK, Quad Cities NPR and Hy-Vee for their in-kind sponsorships.
Also, a big thank you to @twinspanbrewing for collaborating with us and brewing a special hefeweizen, Hefenstein`s Monster, for our event! You can get this exclusive brew in cans at the museum gift shop. Prost! 🍻
Cans in progress for Best of the Wurst on Sunday! We will have Hefenstein’s Monster, a 5.1% abv Hefeweizen on tap Sunday during the event. Cans will be available in the gift shop to take home 🍻
16 oz, 4 pack is $14.
Museum members get a 10% discount and all purchases are tax free! ☀️
If you haven’t been to @twinspanbrewing, take a trip to the restaurant and brewery and try all of their yummy brews!
Get ready for the 8th annual Best of the Wurst sausage competition, this Sunday, July 13th from 12:00 am- 4:00 pm! Members get in free to this fun competition where you 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 of the highlights from last year`s Best of the Wurst competition here:
GAHC members get in free to our 8th annual Best of the Wurst sausage competition, held this Sunday, July 13th from 12:00 am- 4:00 pm! Along with local Here`s the Scoop ice cream, guests can sample local brats, purhcase from a variety of delicious foods, and enjoy an ice cold beer or pop! And don`t forget to 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 some of the fun that we had at last year`s Best of the Wurst!
Independence Day may be over, but our appreciation for service members is never-ending. Now until Labor Day (September 1st, 2025), active-duty military personnel and their families can visit the German American Heritage Center for free!
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.
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