The War Within
June 11, 2023 |
2:00 pm -
3:00 pm
$0-5
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DEIA Statement
This program will be virtual only. Register here.
FREE for GAHC&M members, $5 for non-members.
Anti-German hysteria in Iowa during World War I, already manifest in 1917, reached a linguistic crescendo in the spring of 1918, and resulted in an unprecedented assault on German identity, constitutional liberties, and ultimately the extraordinary measures taken by a German-American Lutheran congregation in far northern Iowa. Wartime zealotry, countenancing no form of German identity, culminated in an edict by the governor of Iowa restricting spoken language and consequently, for some, the free exercise of their religion. In response, the parishioners of St. Peter Lutheran in rural Mitchell County gave up the use of their church and moved Gottesdienst, German worship services, a few miles north, into Minnesota, meeting in a member’s farm grove—at night! Thomas Jefferson once observed, “I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty, than those attending too small a degree of it.” On which side of Jefferson’s alternatives shall Americans in the twenty-first century choose to stand?
Based on extensive research in century-old German congregational manuscripts, period documents, and oral history gathered decades ago, “The War Within” details a largely forgotten chapter in the history of Iowa and the life of a faithful congregation, one still capable of eliciting strong emotion and providing a sobering thought-provoking lesson on which to reflect.
About the speaker:
As a youth, Russell Baldner’s early affection for the German language and history led to B.A. and M.A. degrees in History, undergraduate and graduate study in German, and a career in education, teaching in those and related fields. The presenter first conducted serious primary source historical research in the original nineteenth-century German manuscripts of his family’s ancestral German–Lutheran congregation, of which his immigrant great-great-grandfather was a founding member. Four years later, on the first of nine sojourns in ancestral Germany, Russell lived in his ancestor’s birthplace. Baldner specializes in the history of Germany, ethnic German history and genealogy; historical documents written in Kurrentschrift, an archaic, long-abandoned and seldom-read German cursive script; and Late Prehistoric Native American archaeology. A frequent public speaker, historian and writer, Baldner’s recent publications include several nineteenth-century German Lutheran historical and manuscript studies; a three-part Introduction to the Reformation and Protestantism; and a four-part research series on the Late Prehistoric to Early Historic Native American petroglyphs and pictographs of northeast Iowa.
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 pre-departure orientations by Russell focusing on Germany’s history, language, and social-cultural landscape; historical lectures and commentaries while on tour in Germany; and a renewed and welcome opportunity daily to converse in the language of his heritage.
Along with Pride Month, June is also designated as Immigrant Heritage Month.
Immigrants have played a crucial role in shaping the United States and its culture. They have contributed to the country's economy, workforce, and diversity. Immigrant History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of immigrants to the United States and to highlight the importance of immigrant integration in our communities.
Come visit our exhibitions to explore immigrant history in the past and present. Learn more about our current and upcoming exhibitions and events on our website.
Support your local resources that work with refugees, immigrants, and migrants to help make their transition easier and make our community a more loving and welcoming space. The Quad Cities has a number of organizations like @worldreliefquadcities, @qc.air, @onehumanfamilyqca, @tapestryfarms, the Davenport Diocesan Immigration Program, and more.
Please tag any other organizations that work with migrants/immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers in our area!
Learn more about immigration in Iowa here: https://iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/immigration
#CelebrateImmigrants #immigration #human #history #museum #multicultural #ImmigrantHeritageMonth
Los Desconocidos: The Migrant Quilt Project exhibition is now open!
Once a hub for immigrants looking for a fresh start in a new land, Davenport boasted a high percentage of immigrants in the 19th and 20th century. This trend continues in the 21st century as many immigrants and refugees seek safety and better opportunities for their families in the United States.
Through this exhibition, we hope to inspire visitors to learn about the connections between immigrant groups of the past and those in the present day. Many groups hold the same ideals and goals to escape persecution, seek better opportunities, and create a better life for themselves and their families.
Through stitching the names of people who have lost their lives along the border, the Migrant Quilt Project steadfastly acknowledges the humanity of migrants. Quilts in the exhibition are separated by year, with each quilt made out of materials left at migrant lay-up sites. It is a collaborative effort between artists, quilt makers, and activists to document the names and number of lives lost each year in the desert. The quilts are created to encourage compassion and inspire support for humane changes in border policies.
New exhibit now open 💛
On loan from the @arizonahistoricalsociety
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#museum #exhibition #preview #iowa #illinois #arizona #immigrants #migrants #refugees #immigration #bordercontrol #qc #quadcities #il #ia #museumfromhome #museumsforall #bluestarmuseums
Today we observe Memorial Day and honor those who have lost their lives serving our country. Memorial Day is a time for reflection and gratitude towards those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. As we take a moment to remember their service, it's also important to consider ways in which we can support our living veterans and active-duty service members. Here are some ways to honor their sacrifice and show our appreciation:
– Donate to organizations that support veterans and their families, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or the Fisher House Foundation.
– Volunteer at a VA hospital or local veterans' organization.
– Attend a parade or ceremony in your community to show your support and pay your respects.
– Advocate for policies that improve the lives of veterans and their families, such as increased mental health resources and job training programs.
By taking action to support and honor our veterans, we can ensure that their legacy of service and sacrifice lives on.
The Rock Island Arsenal is hosting a Memorial Day Celebration, Monday May 29th, 2023 10:45 am – 11:45 am.
Bldg. 118
Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island, IL
Admission is free.
#MemorialDay
Behind the scenes installation! Come check out The Migrant Quilt Project, on display through August 27th.
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#museum #behindthescenes #exhibition #migrantquiltproject #timelapse #history #immigration #losdesconocidos #iowa #quilts #quadcities #qcthatswhere #museumfromhome
A new and exciting exhibition opens next week here at the German American Heritage Center and Museum!
Once a hub for immigrants looking for a fresh start in a new land, Davenport boasted a high percentage of immigrants in the 19th and 20th century. This trend continues in the 21st century as many immigrants and refugees seek safety and better opportunities for their families in the United States.
Through this exhibition, we hope to inspire visitors to learn about the connections between immigrant groups of the past and those in the present day. Many groups hold the same ideals and goals to escape persecution, seek better opportunities, and create a better life for themselves and their families.
Through stitching the names of people who have lost their lives along the border, the Migrant Quilt Project steadfastly acknowledges the humanity of migrants. Quilts in the exhibition are separated by year, with each quilt made out of materials left at migrant lay-up sites. It is a collaborative effort between artists, quilt makers, and activists to document the names and number of lives lost each year in the desert. The quilts are created to encourage compassion and inspire support for humane changes in border policies.
The John Deere Classic is here! #BirdiesforCharity is an annual golf tournament that raises money for non-profits like the GAHC&M. All the donations to Birdie #1002 on behalf of the GAHC&M are matched 100%, which helps us continue to improve the museum and make it what you love! Every donation is incredibly helpful. Donations help fund special programs, exhibitions, and education opportunities for children and students of all ages.
Supporting non-profits around the Quad Cities makes our community stronger and makes our community more equitable and enrich our quality of life. You can be assured that any donations through Birdies for Charity are impactful and are directly benefiting local organizations.
Online donations can be made at: https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=1002
OR, print out a pledge card, fill it out, and mail to: 15623 Coaltown Rd., East Moline, IL 61244.
Mark your calendars! The John Deere Classic is scheduled for July 5th-9th, 2023.
A new and exciting exhibition opens next week here at the German American Heritage Center and Museum!
Once a hub for immigrants looking for a fresh start in a new land, Davenport boasted a high percentage of immigrants in the 19th and 20th century. This trend continues in the 21st century as many immigrants and refugees seek safety and better opportunities for their families in the United States.
Through this exhibition, we hope to inspire visitors to learn about the connections between immigrant groups of the past and those in the present day. Many groups hold the same ideals and goals to escape persecution, seek better opportunities, and create a better life for themselves and their families.
Through stitching the names of people who have lost their lives along the border, the Migrant Quilt Project steadfastly acknowledges the humanity of migrants. Quilts in the exhibition are separated by year, with each quilt made out of materials left at migrant lay-up sites. It is a collaborative effort between artists, quilt makers, and activists to document the names and number of lives lost each year in the desert. The quilts are created to encourage compassion and inspire support for humane changes in border policies.
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