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    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy
    • Violins of Hope Iowa
    • Past Exhibitions
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  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • Play On! German Immigrants and the Quad Cities’ Musical Legacy
    • Violins of Hope Iowa
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Travel
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
  • Private Events
  • Donate

Past Exhibitions

Some of our exhibitions are available for rental. To inquire about borrowing an original exhibition from the GAHC&M, contact [email protected]

Beer Beyond Germany: History of Brewing in the Quad Cities June 2nd – October 20th, 2024

Immigration Then and Now: Finding Refuge in the Quad Cities (not available for rental) May 26th – September 15th, 2024

Sweet Treats: German Influence on the QC Candy Industry March 5th – May 19th, 2024

Breaking Barriers: Walls Throughout History February 6th- May 5th, 2024

Art from the Archives September 10th, 2023 – February 18th, 2024

Klassiks for Kinder: German Toys with Joy August 13th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024

Los Desconocidos: The Migrant Quilt Project (not available for rental) May 30th – August 27th, 2023

Todos Somos Luchadores Inmigrantes – We Are All Immigrant Warriors (not available for rental) June 13th– August 27th, 2023

Neighbors to the North: German Influence in New Ulm, Minnesota March 12th – July 30th, 2023

Preserving a Dyeing Art: German Blueprint September 18th, 2022 – May 21st, 2023

The White Rose Student Resistance Against Hitler: Munich, 1942-43 (not available for rental) October 2nd, 2022 – February 26th, 2023

Witness to the Holocaust: The Mattes Family Letters (not available for rental) October 16th-November 27th, 2022

Our Neighbors, Our Friends: Unsere Nachbarn, Unsere Freunde February 18th – September 18th, 2022

Hidden Habsburgs: Immigrants in Iowa, 1846-1868 April 24th – August 28th, 2022

Jugendstil: Art for All July 11th, 2021 – January 9th, 2022

Power Frauen February 16th – June 14th, 2020

GoldCoast Glass: Works from the German Home November 3rd, 2019 – January 12th, 2020

Better than Sliced Bread: German Scientists and Inventors June 9th – October 27th, 2019

An Austrian Overture: Classical Composers May 19th – September 15th 2019

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German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

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

Open
Thomas Meinecke is a German novelist, musician, and Radio DJ. He was born in Hamburg in 1955 and lives in pre-alpine Bavaria south of Munich. His novels are always fueled by music, many kinds of music. The earliest was the music of renowned Davenport musician, Bix Beiderbecke.

"A poster of him with his cornet hung in my room when I was a teenager. On my tour across the United States in April with my novels, it is a dream come true to come to Davenport and listen to some of my favorite Bix records with you and talk about the mystery of his very special music."

Join us for an evening of refreshments, conversation, and listening sessions with Thomas Meinecke as he shares his love of music and Bix Beiderbecke. Thank you to the @goetheinstitut.chicago for making this program possible.

Doors 5:00
Program 5:30

Free and open to the public, suggested donation $10.
Cash Bar available.
RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-musical-evening-with-thomas-meinecke

Thomas Meinecke is a German novelist, musician, and Radio DJ. He was born in Hamburg in 1955 and lives in pre-alpine Bavaria south of Munich. His novels are always fueled by music, many kinds of music. The earliest was the music of renowned Davenport musician, Bix Beiderbecke.

"A poster of him with his cornet hung in my room when I was a teenager. On my tour across the United States in April with my novels, it is a dream come true to come to Davenport and listen to some of my favorite Bix records with you and talk about the mystery of his very special music."

Join us for an evening of refreshments, conversation, and listening sessions with Thomas Meinecke as he shares his love of music and Bix Beiderbecke. Thank you to the @goetheinstitut.chicago for making this program possible.

Doors 5:00
Program 5:30

Free and open to the public, suggested donation $10.
Cash Bar available.
RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-musical-evening-with-thomas-meinecke
…

Open
Join us for a FREE program at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport this Sunday, April 19th. 

In a work of historical fiction based on oral histories, Mary Swander dramatizes the trials of a young Amish man from Kalona, Iowa, who thought he was headed to the Rocky Mountains for a stint of public service as a smoke jumper in lieu of combat during World War II. Instead, he was led off the train by renegade soldiers and illegally imprisoned in a chicken coop with ten other men until the war’s end.

After the performance, join Mary Swander for a discussion about her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She will recount how she got the original idea for the show and the choices she made to bring the story to the stage, how both the set and the script were an act of discovery. She will also provide background on the Amish and the history of their stance of non-violent resistance throughout their history. 

Thank you to Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa for making this program possible.

Join us for a FREE program at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport this Sunday, April 19th.

In a work of historical fiction based on oral histories, Mary Swander dramatizes the trials of a young Amish man from Kalona, Iowa, who thought he was headed to the Rocky Mountains for a stint of public service as a smoke jumper in lieu of combat during World War II. Instead, he was led off the train by renegade soldiers and illegally imprisoned in a chicken coop with ten other men until the war’s end.

After the performance, join Mary Swander for a discussion about her writing process and the research that went into her new drama called Coop. She will explain object theatre and why she embraced it for this work. She will recount how she got the original idea for the show and the choices she made to bring the story to the stage, how both the set and the script were an act of discovery. She will also provide background on the Amish and the history of their stance of non-violent resistance throughout their history.

Thank you to Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa for making this program possible.
…

Open
We are once again participating in Birdies for Charity, which allows your donation to go even further. Because of you, every dollar raised through Birdies for Charity is matched, amplifying your contribution and ensuring that the museum thrives for years to come.

Because of supporters like you, we are able to continue bringing exciting exhibtions, lively events, and popular programs like Kaffee und Kuchen to the museum. Thank you for your generosity!

Donation links in bio.

We are once again participating in Birdies for Charity, which allows your donation to go even further. Because of you, every dollar raised through Birdies for Charity is matched, amplifying your contribution and ensuring that the museum thrives for years to come.

Because of supporters like you, we are able to continue bringing exciting exhibtions, lively events, and popular programs like Kaffee und Kuchen to the museum. Thank you for your generosity!

Donation links in bio.
…

Open
🐣 Frohe Ostern! The museum is closed today, Easter Sunday.

In Germany, Easter is observed over a four-day period, starting on Good Friday and concluding on Easter Monday. Good Friday is generally a calm, contemplative day that recognizes the crucifixion of Jesus. Many people in Germany go to church services, have fish as their main meal, and honor the day with closed businesses and silent church bells.

On Easter Sunday, people often spend the day preparing for the holiday. Traditional activities include baking lamb-shaped cakes and visiting Easter markets. These markets often sell seasonal decorations and ornaments for Osterbaum (Easter trees). A German custom in which bare branches are decorated with colorful eggs, either in a vase inside or by decorating trees and shrubs outside in their yards and gardens. The trees symbolize new life and renewal, while the eggs represent fertility and rebirth. Another popular custom is the Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), where large fires are lit in towns and villages to symbolize light overcoming darkness and the arrival of spring after winter. 

🌸 ☀️ 🪺 What are some of your Easter traditions?

🐣 Frohe Ostern! The museum is closed today, Easter Sunday.

In Germany, Easter is observed over a four-day period, starting on Good Friday and concluding on Easter Monday. Good Friday is generally a calm, contemplative day that recognizes the crucifixion of Jesus. Many people in Germany go to church services, have fish as their main meal, and honor the day with closed businesses and silent church bells.

On Easter Sunday, people often spend the day preparing for the holiday. Traditional activities include baking lamb-shaped cakes and visiting Easter markets. These markets often sell seasonal decorations and ornaments for Osterbaum (Easter trees). A German custom in which bare branches are decorated with colorful eggs, either in a vase inside or by decorating trees and shrubs outside in their yards and gardens. The trees symbolize new life and renewal, while the eggs represent fertility and rebirth. Another popular custom is the Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), where large fires are lit in towns and villages to symbolize light overcoming darkness and the arrival of spring after winter.

🌸 ☀️ 🪺 What are some of your Easter traditions?
…

Open
In 2026, we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250) of the United States! Follow along as we highlight influential German immigrants throughout the history of the United States.

In 1733, John Peter Zenger (October 26, 1697 – July 28, 1746) traveled to America from the Palatinate as an indentured servant. He founded The New York Weekly Journal, the first independent newspaper in America. 

As issues were published, Zenger was soon sued for libel based on articles that accused the British governor of New York, William Cosby, of abusing his power over the colonies.

Two years later, with the help of his defense lawyer, Alexander Hamilton, Zenger was acquitted. The case established the principle that one could not be found guilty for publishing the truth, helping to lay the groundwork for freedom of the press in the colonies.

Their fight against censorship and suppression laid the foundation for the people’s rights and the broader struggle for colonial justice.

Image: Andrew Hamilton defending John Peter Zenger in court, 1734. Library of Congress. Caption: "By no means," exclaimed Hamilton, in his clear, thrilling, silvery voice, "It is not the bar, printing and publishing of a paper that will make it a libel, the words themselves must be libelous, that is false, scandalous, and seditious, else my client is not guilty." Page 558.

In 2026, we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250) of the United States! Follow along as we highlight influential German immigrants throughout the history of the United States.

In 1733, John Peter Zenger (October 26, 1697 – July 28, 1746) traveled to America from the Palatinate as an indentured servant. He founded The New York Weekly Journal, the first independent newspaper in America.

As issues were published, Zenger was soon sued for libel based on articles that accused the British governor of New York, William Cosby, of abusing his power over the colonies.

Two years later, with the help of his defense lawyer, Alexander Hamilton, Zenger was acquitted. The case established the principle that one could not be found guilty for publishing the truth, helping to lay the groundwork for freedom of the press in the colonies.

Their fight against censorship and suppression laid the foundation for the people’s rights and the broader struggle for colonial justice.

Image: Andrew Hamilton defending John Peter Zenger in court, 1734. Library of Congress. Caption: "By no means," exclaimed Hamilton, in his clear, thrilling, silvery voice, "It is not the bar, printing and publishing of a paper that will make it a libel, the words themselves must be libelous, that is false, scandalous, and seditious, else my client is not guilty." Page 558.
…

Open
We have loved seeing our visitors' thoughtful responses to the Violins of Hope. 

During the Holocaust, Jewish musicians played the violin to bring hope to their communities. Musicians relied on their instrument to help feed their families. 

"Lagerkapellen," or camp orchestras, were musical ensembles made up of imprisoned people in Nazi concentration camps, forced by the SS to perform during marches, roll calls, and even executions. These groups played marches, classical pieces, and sometimes were cruelly ordered to play “Tango of Death” selections to enforce labor rhythm, entertain guards, and inflict psychological torment. Though created under coercion, some prisoner-musicians used music quietly as an act of resilience and survival. 

Many of these imprisoned musicians were able to survive because of their role in the orchestras. Many stopped playing after they were freed because of the trauma associated with their instruments and the music. 

🕊️What gives you hope when life feels difficult?

🕊️What gives you courage to speak out against hate and violence?

🕊️If you could pass one message forward to the next generation, what would it be?

🕊️How can you use your voice, art, or kindness to bring hope to others?

We have loved seeing our visitors` thoughtful responses to the Violins of Hope.

During the Holocaust, Jewish musicians played the violin to bring hope to their communities. Musicians relied on their instrument to help feed their families.

"Lagerkapellen," or camp orchestras, were musical ensembles made up of imprisoned people in Nazi concentration camps, forced by the SS to perform during marches, roll calls, and even executions. These groups played marches, classical pieces, and sometimes were cruelly ordered to play “Tango of Death” selections to enforce labor rhythm, entertain guards, and inflict psychological torment. Though created under coercion, some prisoner-musicians used music quietly as an act of resilience and survival.

Many of these imprisoned musicians were able to survive because of their role in the orchestras. Many stopped playing after they were freed because of the trauma associated with their instruments and the music.

🕊️What gives you hope when life feels difficult?

🕊️What gives you courage to speak out against hate and violence?

🕊️If you could pass one message forward to the next generation, what would it be?

🕊️How can you use your voice, art, or kindness to bring hope to others?
…

Open
This violin belonged to Ole Steffen Dahl, a resistance fighter with the Danish Army who helped transport 7,200 Jewish Danes to safety in Sweden in 1943. 

Ole Dahl was also a luthier—a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments. This violin belonged to Steffen as a child, and he kept it with him his entire life. After his death, his son Chris kept this violin on a shelf at home for about 20 years. 

In 2023, Chris donated his father’s violin to the Violins of Hope project. 

You can see this violin on display at the museum through April 12th, and then will be transferred to Sioux City, Iowa to be played in their Symphony concerts. The Violins of Hope exhibiton will be at the German American Heritage Center and Museum through April 26th, 2026.

#violinsofhope #violins #history #museum

This violin belonged to Ole Steffen Dahl, a resistance fighter with the Danish Army who helped transport 7,200 Jewish Danes to safety in Sweden in 1943.

Ole Dahl was also a luthier—a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments. This violin belonged to Steffen as a child, and he kept it with him his entire life. After his death, his son Chris kept this violin on a shelf at home for about 20 years.

In 2023, Chris donated his father’s violin to the Violins of Hope project.

You can see this violin on display at the museum through April 12th, and then will be transferred to Sioux City, Iowa to be played in their Symphony concerts. The Violins of Hope exhibiton will be at the German American Heritage Center and Museum through April 26th, 2026.

#violinsofhope #violins #history #museum
…

Open
We're looking forward to some unique gifts and jewelry from our vendors on Saturday at our Eiermarkt Spring Vendor Market  from 10 am - 2 pm.

Here's a sneak peek at some of our vendors who will be here this weekend: 
Plants by Brad - will have a selection of live plants and crystals.
Mi Bella Resin - epoxy resin keychains, trays, and more, crocheted shawls, market bags, and earrings.
Trixie's Tipsy Teapots - yard art made out of repurposed teapots and other seasonal home decor.

FREE ADMISSION to the market and the museum all day. Browse for gifts and discover all our vendors have to offer. 
🗓️ Saturday March 28th, 2026
⏰ 10 am - 2 pm
📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa

We`re looking forward to some unique gifts and jewelry from our vendors on Saturday at our Eiermarkt Spring Vendor Market from 10 am – 2 pm.

Here`s a sneak peek at some of our vendors who will be here this weekend:
Plants by Brad – will have a selection of live plants and crystals.
Mi Bella Resin – epoxy resin keychains, trays, and more, crocheted shawls, market bags, and earrings.
Trixie`s Tipsy Teapots – yard art made out of repurposed teapots and other seasonal home decor.

FREE ADMISSION to the market and the museum all day. Browse for gifts and discover all our vendors have to offer.
🗓️ Saturday March 28th, 2026
⏰ 10 am – 2 pm
📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa
…

VISIT US

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

HOURS

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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