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  • Visit
    • 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
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Private Events
  • Donate

Past Exhibitions

Past Exhibitions

View our past exhibitions

We are happy to bring new, fresh, exhibitions to the museum multiple times a year. Scroll below to view our past exhibtions.

Past Exhibtions

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

+ Available for rental

What’s New? Recent Acquisitions to the Collection February 15 – June 1, 2025

With You, I Am Myself January 12 – April 6, 2025

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

Immigration Then and Now: Finding Refuge in the Quad Cities May 26 – September 15, 2024

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

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

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

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

Los Desconocidos: The Migrant Quilt Project May 30th – August 27th, 2023

Todos Somos Luchadores Inmigrantes – We Are All Immigrant Warriors  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 October 2nd, 2022 – February 26th, 2023

Witness to the Holocaust: The Mattes Family Letters 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
Check out our Fall Kaffee und Kuchen calendar for upcoming programs for October and November. Link in bio.

1:30 Coffee and Cake
2:00 Program
Free for members! RSVP online preferred, but walk-ins welcome. 

🕰️ October 12th - Wonderfully Weird Objects from the @putnammuseum Collections with Christine Chandler
🧙‍♀️ October 26th - The Wicked and the Weird: Stories from the Quad Cities with John Brassard Jr. (@strangeanddreadfulthings)
🚂 November 9th - The Danville Station Museum and Anne Frank with Janet Hesler 
🇧🇪 November 23rd - The Belgian Connection: Belgium's Influence Abroad and in the Quad Cities

#programs #history #halloween #quadcities #iowa #illinois #events #fall #autum #museum #kaffeeundkuchen #german #midwest

Check out our Fall Kaffee und Kuchen calendar for upcoming programs for October and November. Link in bio.

1:30 Coffee and Cake
2:00 Program
Free for members! RSVP online preferred, but walk-ins welcome.

🕰️ October 12th – Wonderfully Weird Objects from the @putnammuseum Collections with Christine Chandler
🧙‍♀️ October 26th – The Wicked and the Weird: Stories from the Quad Cities with John Brassard Jr. (@strangeanddreadfulthings)
🚂 November 9th – The Danville Station Museum and Anne Frank with Janet Hesler
🇧🇪 November 23rd – The Belgian Connection: Belgium`s Influence Abroad and in the Quad Cities

#programs #history #halloween #quadcities #iowa #illinois #events #fall #autum #museum #kaffeeundkuchen #german #midwest
…

Open
🎥 We're looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as part of our Film Series this season.

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at The Last Picture House in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater. 

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house 

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe '48, a Märzen brewed for us by Twin Span Brewing. A dollar from every beer purchased goes back to the museum.

🎥 We`re looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as part of our Film Series this season.

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at The Last Picture House in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater.

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe `48, a Märzen brewed for us by Twin Span Brewing. A dollar from every beer purchased goes back to the museum.
…

Open
🎥 We're looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as our final week in our Film Series approaches! 

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at @thelastpichouse in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater. 

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house 

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe '48, a Märzen brewed for us by @twinspanbrewing. A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum. 

Artwork by @bruce_walters.

🎥 We`re looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as our final week in our Film Series approaches!

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at @thelastpichouse in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater.

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe `48, a Märzen brewed for us by @twinspanbrewing. A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum.

Artwork by @bruce_walters.
…

Open
Last year, during our Paranormal Investigation, the first floor revealed a powerful presence--the spirit of a bartender still tending his post. According to our medium, his energy was restless, occupied with unseen duties: cleaning glasses, checking the bar, keeping busy. He seemed irritated by our questions, brushing them aside, especially when they came from the women in the group. To the men, however, he was more responsive, almost as if old habits still governed his interactions.

The reaction made eerie sense in light of the building’s past. In the Standard Hotel’s early days, the first floor served as a lobby, restaurant, and bar--spaces where, by 19th-century convention, men dominated the room. Respectable women were often barred from such establishments, their presence considered improper unless accompanied by a man. Social taboos and the temperance movement kept most women away, while working-class women or saloon employees were rare exceptions.

Could this lingering bartender be a relic of that past, still caught in the rules of his era? Step inside, and see if you catch his gaze—or if he pointedly ignores yours.

Join us for Geisternacht: Paranormal Investigation of the GAHC&M this Saturday, September 27th from 7-midnight with the Haunted Maps team. Tickets ar $30 per person, and include light refreshments. Cash bar available.

Last year, during our Paranormal Investigation, the first floor revealed a powerful presence–the spirit of a bartender still tending his post. According to our medium, his energy was restless, occupied with unseen duties: cleaning glasses, checking the bar, keeping busy. He seemed irritated by our questions, brushing them aside, especially when they came from the women in the group. To the men, however, he was more responsive, almost as if old habits still governed his interactions.

The reaction made eerie sense in light of the building’s past. In the Standard Hotel’s early days, the first floor served as a lobby, restaurant, and bar–spaces where, by 19th-century convention, men dominated the room. Respectable women were often barred from such establishments, their presence considered improper unless accompanied by a man. Social taboos and the temperance movement kept most women away, while working-class women or saloon employees were rare exceptions.

Could this lingering bartender be a relic of that past, still caught in the rules of his era? Step inside, and see if you catch his gaze—or if he pointedly ignores yours.

Join us for Geisternacht: Paranormal Investigation of the GAHC&M this Saturday, September 27th from 7-midnight with the Haunted Maps team. Tickets ar $30 per person, and include light refreshments. Cash bar available.
…

Open
🎥 We're looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the
big screen as our final week in our Film Series approaches!

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at @thelastpichouse  in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater.

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi  ermany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door.
We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday October 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe '48, a Märzen brewed for us by @twinspanbrewing . A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum.

🎥 We`re looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the
big screen as our final week in our Film Series approaches!

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at @thelastpichouse in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater.

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi ermany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door.
We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday October 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe `48, a Märzen brewed for us by @twinspanbrewing . A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum.
…

Open
Check out our vendors this weekend! Our Herbstmarkt Fall Vendor Fair is Saturday, September 27th, 2025 from 10am-2pm. Admission is free to the museum all day. 

Florals, paintings, handmade jewelry, plants, art, and more will be available from our vendors this weekend. While you're here, check out our gift shop for early holiday gifts, Oktoberfest goodies, local books, beer, and more.

📍 712 W 2nd St.  Davenport, Iowa

Check out our vendors this weekend! Our Herbstmarkt Fall Vendor Fair is Saturday, September 27th, 2025 from 10am-2pm. Admission is free to the museum all day.

Florals, paintings, handmade jewelry, plants, art, and more will be available from our vendors this weekend. While you`re here, check out our gift shop for early holiday gifts, Oktoberfest goodies, local books, beer, and more.

📍 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa
…

Open
🎥 We're looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as our final week in our Film Series approaches! 

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at @thelastpichouse in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater. 

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe '48, a Märzen brewed for us by @twinspanbrewing. A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum. 

Artwork by @bruce_walters.

🎥 We`re looking forward to a rare opportunity to see Casablanca (1942) on the big screen as our final week in our Film Series approaches!

Join us on Wednesday, October 1st at @thelastpichouse in Davenport for a viewing of this iconic film followed by a discussion in the theater.

Set against the shadow of World War II, Casablanca is more than a timeless romantic drama: it is also a film deeply tied to the lives of those who lived its story off-screen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, himself a Hungarian émigré, and brought to life by actors like Paul Henreid, Conrad Veidt, and many supporting cast members who fled Nazi Germany, the movie carries an authenticity that goes far beyond Hollywood fiction. Their own exile, displacement, and resistance to fascism mirrors the struggles of the characters they portray, giving the film an emotional tension and urgency that still resonates today. In Casablanca, the line between cinema and lived history blurred, creating not just a love story, but a document of exile, courage, and survival in the face of tyranny.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. We will have a 3:00 and 6:00 showing on Wednesday the 1st. https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

🍺 Try a pint of Erbe `48, a Märzen brewed for us by @twinspanbrewing. A dollar from ever beer purchased goes back to the museum.

Artwork by @bruce_walters.
…

Open
We are getting excited for our Herbstmarkt Fall Vendor Fair! Join us Saturday September 27th from 10-2 to shop our variety of vendors for unique gifts, baked goods, art, and more. 

Trixie's Tipsy Teapots will have her usual teapot creations along with some specialty decor items for Fall. 

📍 German American Heritage Center and Museum
712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa

We are getting excited for our Herbstmarkt Fall Vendor Fair! Join us Saturday September 27th from 10-2 to shop our variety of vendors for unique gifts, baked goods, art, and more.

Trixie`s Tipsy Teapots will have her usual teapot creations along with some specialty decor items for Fall.

📍 German American Heritage Center and Museum
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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