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

Resources

Resources

Resources and links for teachers, genealogists, researchers, history buffs, and everyone in between.

Click on a title to be redirected to their website

General

German Connections

This online directory has an interactive map where you can search for German organizations across the United States. This online directory is a one-stop shop for all things German-American in the U.S. The German American Heritage Foundation strives to represent all people of German-speaking heritage, we invite our Austrian American and Swiss American friends as well to contribute information about clubs, organizations, favorite restaurants, neighborhood businesses, churches, schools, and so much more.

German Connections

Genealogy

Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and Scott County Genealogical Society (SCIGS)

Located in the basement of the Davenport Public Library, this collections includes free local databases, books, maps, manuscripts, and photographs. 

Richardson Sloane Special Collections Website

Family History Center, Davenport, IA

A facility of the LDS Church, the center holds many records both on-site and available through interlibrary loans that are of great importance to genealogists.

Information

IAGenWebProject - Scott County

A group of volunteers working together to provide Internet websites for genealogical research in every county of Iowa.

Website

German Genealogy Headquarters

Based in Iowa City, the German Genealogy team offers courses and webinars for those looking to become better genealogists. 

Ursula C. Krause and Ute Brandenburg, two of the most recognized names in German genealogy, are joining forces to offer a completely new concept in German genealogy education. Both bring their unique research strengths to the table to create a team with unrivaled experience.

Their curriculum is designed to empower you as the teller of your ancestors’ stories. As you develop research skills, you will also gain insights to deeper understand the life experience of those who came before you.

 Website

Freelance Genealogists

Ursula Krause: offers genealogical research, educational webinars, and personalized consultations. Learn More

Ute Brandenburg: specializes in reading German script, genealogical research, and educational opportunities. Learn More

German Immigration

German Immigration (Library of Congress)

An online resource for teachers includes an overview of the unique German immigrant story, their growth and influence in the United States. German were one of the first Europeans to immigrate to the New World.

LOC Website

Germans in the Midwest - National Museum of American History

Information about Germans and other European immigrant groups. From the National Museum of American History, a Smithsonian Institution.

Website

The Germans in America - Library of Congress

A chronology of Germans in the United States from 1608-1990.

Website

Local History

Gold Coast and Hamburg Historic District, Davenport

Dedicated to preserving the built heritage of Davenport’s First Neighborhood. Additionally, they collect its histories providing context and understanding of the great importance of this district.

Gold Coast Hamburg Historic District Website

ASHHS - American/Schleswig - Holstein Heritage Society

The American/Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society was organized in 1989 to preserve the heritage of our Schleswig – Holstein forefathers.

ASHHS is the only German Heritage Society dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

ASHHS Website

Rock Island County Historical Society

Includes a research library, databases, and museums.

RICHS Website

Rock Island County Genealogical Society

The society has online resources on the site as well as hard copy library that is hosted at the Rock Island County Historical Society building.

RICIGS Website

Rock Island Arsenal Historical Society

The society’s goal is to support the programs of its museum and the museum’s mission to illustrate Arsenal Island history; its local and national contributions and impacts; and its activities in war and peace.

RIAHS Website

Scott County Historic Preservation Society

Is committed to the cause of historic preservation in Scott County, Iowa.

SCHPS Website

Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society

SCIGS has its genealogical collection at the ‘Richardson-Sloane Special Collection Center’ located in the Davenport Public Library. If your ancestors once lived in the Scott County area, you will find the SCIGS collection very productive and useful.

SCIGS Website

Schuetzenpark Gilde - Schuetzen Park Historic Site

The Schuetzen Park Historic Site is a nature park “Naturschutzgebiet” located in west Davenport at 700 Waverly Road.

The Park was sold in 1923 and its wooded areas remained essentially unchanged for the next 80 years.

Recently, most of the Park’s former grounds were re-acquired and are being preserved as a “Wildpark”. It comprises about 20 acres and is owned and maintained by the Scheutzenpark Gilde. Nature trails are maintained throughout the site. Hours of operation are sun-up to sundown, May-November.

Schuetzenpark Website

Upper Mississippi Valley Photo Archive

An online digital collection of historic images showcasing the Mississippi River Region along the Iowa/Illinois border.

UMVPA Website

QC PastPort

Self-guided, interactive, physical, and digital tours throughout the Quad Cities. Stops along this tour bring our area’s rich history to life by highlighting architecture, businesses, institutions, and fascinating sites through the stories of the people who were there at the time. 

QC Pastport Website

On Germany

Deutsch Americanische National Kongress (German American National Congress) D.A.N.K.

The German American National Congress is the largest organization of Americans of German descent.

The organization seeks to bring Americans of German descent together in the pursuit of cultivating and presenting their heritage and interests on local, regional and national levels.

DANK Website

Goethe Institute

The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. They promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange.

Goethe Institute Website

Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies

The Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies is an interdisciplinary unit in the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It is dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the stories of German-speaking immigrants and their descendants in the larger context of global migration past and present.

Website

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

The DANK Haus mission is to preserve and promote German culture, heritage, and language through maintaining a center consisting of a museum, art gallery, library, and language school, and organizing educational and social programming focusing on and emphasizing the history, traditions, and contributions of Germans and German Americans.

Website

Traditional Clothing and Heritage Resources

This page describes traditional German clothing (Trachten) and Bavarian-style clothing that is associated with German events and celebrations like Oktoberfest. This site also includes links to other sources regarding genealogy, heritage, German history, and more.

Website

ON INSTAGRAM
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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
Now Hiring: Paid Tour Guides for the “Darker Side of Davenport” Walking Tours

👻 Share chilling tales of crime and the paranormal in downtown Davenport!
The German American Heritage Center and Museum is looking for engaging and reliable tour guides to lead our popular Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours. These evening tours take guests through the heart of downtown, sharing true stories of historic crime, mystery, and paranormal activity.

🚶 As a guide, you will:
- Lead groups along a 1.5-mile walking route, stopping at select downtown locations tied to the city’s darker past.
- Present well-researched, engaging stories in a theatrical and informative way.
- Represent the German American Heritage Center with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Skills Required:
- Comfortable with extended periods of walking and standing.
- Strong public speaking and storytelling abilities.
- Training and historical background information will be provided.

💵 Compensation:
$60 per tour

🗓️ Tour Dates:
Friday October 24th, Saturday October 25th, and Friday October 31st.

📝 How to Apply:
Send a letter of interest to aaron@gahc.org.
Applicants will be contacted to schedule a brief interview.
Bring Davenport’s haunted history to life—if you dare.

Now Hiring: Paid Tour Guides for the “Darker Side of Davenport” Walking Tours

👻 Share chilling tales of crime and the paranormal in downtown Davenport!
The German American Heritage Center and Museum is looking for engaging and reliable tour guides to lead our popular Darker Side of Davenport Walking Tours. These evening tours take guests through the heart of downtown, sharing true stories of historic crime, mystery, and paranormal activity.

🚶 As a guide, you will:
– Lead groups along a 1.5-mile walking route, stopping at select downtown locations tied to the city’s darker past.
– Present well-researched, engaging stories in a theatrical and informative way.
– Represent the German American Heritage Center with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Skills Required:
– Comfortable with extended periods of walking and standing.
– Strong public speaking and storytelling abilities.
– Training and historical background information will be provided.

💵 Compensation:
$60 per tour

🗓️ Tour Dates:
Friday October 24th, Saturday October 25th, and Friday October 31st.

📝 How to Apply:
Send a letter of interest to [email protected].
Applicants will be contacted to schedule a brief interview.
Bring Davenport’s haunted history to life—if you dare.
…

Open
We are a week away from our first film in our series at the The Last Picture House! 

🎥 From Hitler to Hollywood: Film Series at the Last Picture House.
Step into the dramatic world of 1930s Hollywood, where the silver screen became a beacon of hope and resistance. As the Nazi regime took hold in Germany, more than 800 filmmakers, directors, actors, technicians, and artists, fled persecution and found refuge in Los Angeles. United by their love of cinema and a determination to survive, these exiles became a vibrant creative community, supporting each other through hardship and forging new pathways in American film.

Stay after each film for an optional Q&A session about the films and actors.

September 3rd - Sunset Boulevard
September 10th - The Big Heat
September 17th - Shanghai Express
September 24th - From Here to Eternity
October 1st - Casablanca*
3 pm or 6 pm showing
*Guests with the 5 film pass must choose one of the two showings.

Films are $15 each or get a 5 film pass for a discount:
GAHC and LPH Members – $50
General Public – $60
Get Tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

Guests will choose their seats upon arrival. Make sure to check in at the GAHC+M table in the lobby.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the German American Heritage Center and Museum's programming.

We are a week away from our first film in our series at the The Last Picture House!

🎥 From Hitler to Hollywood: Film Series at the Last Picture House.
Step into the dramatic world of 1930s Hollywood, where the silver screen became a beacon of hope and resistance. As the Nazi regime took hold in Germany, more than 800 filmmakers, directors, actors, technicians, and artists, fled persecution and found refuge in Los Angeles. United by their love of cinema and a determination to survive, these exiles became a vibrant creative community, supporting each other through hardship and forging new pathways in American film.

Stay after each film for an optional Q&A session about the films and actors.

September 3rd – Sunset Boulevard
September 10th – The Big Heat
September 17th – Shanghai Express
September 24th – From Here to Eternity
October 1st – Casablanca*
3 pm or 6 pm showing
*Guests with the 5 film pass must choose one of the two showings.

Films are $15 each or get a 5 film pass for a discount:
GAHC and LPH Members – $50
General Public – $60
Get Tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house

Guests will choose their seats upon arrival. Make sure to check in at the GAHC+M table in the lobby.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the German American Heritage Center and Museum`s programming.
…

Open
The 19th Amendment went into effect on August 18, 1920, giving women the right to vote in the United States. Today we highlight Wilhelmine Kekelaokalaninui Widemann Dowsett: the powerhouse behind Hawaii’s suffrage movement! 

Born in 1861 in Lihue, Kauai, Dowsett came from a unique mix of heritage: her father, Hermann A. Widemann, was a German immigrant and coffee planter who served as a cabinet minister to Queen Liliʻuokalani, while her mother was a Native Hawaiian chieftess connected to the royal family. This blend of German and Hawaiian roots set the stage for Dowsett’s bridging work on behalf of all women.

After witnessing the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the annexation by the United States, Dowsett founded the National Women’s Equal Suffrage Association of Hawaii (WESAH) in 1912, the first of its kind in the islands. Her efforts united women across backgrounds and faced down lawmakers, often leading groups of hundreds to demand “Votes for Women” right on the House floor!

Dowsett’s organization connected Hawaii’s suffragists to influential national groups like the National American Woman Suffrage Association, making the islands’ voices heard in the larger women’s rights movement. Although she didn’t live to see Hawaii become a U.S. state, her activism paved the road for women’s voting rights and inspired generations throughout the United States.

Wilhelmine’s legacy is one of cross-cultural leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice—a true trailblazer for both Native Hawaiian and German-American women everywhere.

Photo: Wilhelmine with her father Hermann A. Widemann, c. 1881. Public Domain.

The 19th Amendment went into effect on August 18, 1920, giving women the right to vote in the United States. Today we highlight Wilhelmine Kekelaokalaninui Widemann Dowsett: the powerhouse behind Hawaii’s suffrage movement!

Born in 1861 in Lihue, Kauai, Dowsett came from a unique mix of heritage: her father, Hermann A. Widemann, was a German immigrant and coffee planter who served as a cabinet minister to Queen Liliʻuokalani, while her mother was a Native Hawaiian chieftess connected to the royal family. This blend of German and Hawaiian roots set the stage for Dowsett’s bridging work on behalf of all women.

After witnessing the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the annexation by the United States, Dowsett founded the National Women’s Equal Suffrage Association of Hawaii (WESAH) in 1912, the first of its kind in the islands. Her efforts united women across backgrounds and faced down lawmakers, often leading groups of hundreds to demand “Votes for Women” right on the House floor!

Dowsett’s organization connected Hawaii’s suffragists to influential national groups like the National American Woman Suffrage Association, making the islands’ voices heard in the larger women’s rights movement. Although she didn’t live to see Hawaii become a U.S. state, her activism paved the road for women’s voting rights and inspired generations throughout the United States.

Wilhelmine’s legacy is one of cross-cultural leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice—a true trailblazer for both Native Hawaiian and German-American women everywhere.

Photo: Wilhelmine with her father Hermann A. Widemann, c. 1881. Public Domain.
…

Open
In honor of this year's Bix Memorial weekend, we're also celebrating local history with @davenportlibrary . 

The Beiderbecke surname associated with Davenport Jazz Musician, Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke, was brought to Davenport in 1856 by his grandfather, Charles Beiderbecke.

Charles Beiderbecke partnered with Frank H. Miller to open Beiderbecke & Miller wholesale grocery business, once the largest wholesale business in the city. German Immigrants significantly contributed in Davenport's economic history through businesses like this.

The Richardson-Sloane Collection at the Davenport Public Library generously shared the second photograph, an architecture drawing of the building. As well as provided newspaper advertisements in research for this post (not shown). 

Today, the original building no longer stands, however, the memory of the Beiderbecke family is still celebrated on Second Street at the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and World Archive.

First photograph is from WikiMedia Commons.
Second photograph is from The Richard-Sloane Collection at the Davenport Public Library.
Third photograph is from the German American Heritage Center and Museum Collection.

In honor of this year`s Bix Memorial weekend, we`re also celebrating local history with @davenportlibrary .

The Beiderbecke surname associated with Davenport Jazz Musician, Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke, was brought to Davenport in 1856 by his grandfather, Charles Beiderbecke.

Charles Beiderbecke partnered with Frank H. Miller to open Beiderbecke & Miller wholesale grocery business, once the largest wholesale business in the city. German Immigrants significantly contributed in Davenport`s economic history through businesses like this.

The Richardson-Sloane Collection at the Davenport Public Library generously shared the second photograph, an architecture drawing of the building. As well as provided newspaper advertisements in research for this post (not shown).

Today, the original building no longer stands, however, the memory of the Beiderbecke family is still celebrated on Second Street at the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and World Archive.

First photograph is from WikiMedia Commons.
Second photograph is from The Richard-Sloane Collection at the Davenport Public Library.
Third photograph is from the German American Heritage Center and Museum Collection.
…

Open
We're looking for a food vendor to serve our 1500+ guests at Oktoberfest Davenport!

🌭 Brats preferred, but build your own menu to showcase what you do best!
🍻 1500+ patrons in the heart of Downtown Davenport.
🎶 Live music, German beer, family activities, and more.
🎉 This will be a memorable event you don't want to miss!

Saturday September 20th, 2025 
12 - 7 pm
K-Square Park | 119 E 3rd St. Davenport, Iowa

Contact: 563-322-8844 or clare@gahc.org

We`re looking for a food vendor to serve our 1500+ guests at Oktoberfest Davenport!

🌭 Brats preferred, but build your own menu to showcase what you do best!
🍻 1500+ patrons in the heart of Downtown Davenport.
🎶 Live music, German beer, family activities, and more.
🎉 This will be a memorable event you don`t want to miss!

Saturday September 20th, 2025
12 – 7 pm
K-Square Park | 119 E 3rd St. Davenport, Iowa

Contact: 563-322-8844 or [email protected]
…

Open
Join us on Sunday for Kaffee und Kuchen with David and Sarojini Johnson. We will discuss the German Expressionist prints on display and learn more about the artists themselves. Visit the galleries and hear from the Johnsons about their collection and their inspiration as artists. 
Visit the Figge Art Museum to see more of the Johnson's collection in the Lewis gallery as well!
Register Here: https://events.humanitix.com/kaffee-und-kuchen-gallery-talk-with-david-and-sarojini-johnson

Join us on Sunday for Kaffee und Kuchen with David and Sarojini Johnson. We will discuss the German Expressionist prints on display and learn more about the artists themselves. Visit the galleries and hear from the Johnsons about their collection and their inspiration as artists.
Visit the Figge Art Museum to see more of the Johnson`s collection in the Lewis gallery as well!
Register Here: https://events.humanitix.com/kaffee-und-kuchen-gallery-talk-with-david-and-sarojini-johnson
…

Open
German Immigrants impacted American culture through food, fashion, music, and even education. How many of those things can you spot in this post?
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#germanimmigrants #meme #museum #germanamericanheritage #center #art #funny #like #immigrants #immigrant #history #historical #christmas #christmasinjuly #polka #buttons #vintage #antique

German Immigrants impacted American culture through food, fashion, music, and even education. How many of those things can you spot in this post?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#germanimmigrants #meme #museum #germanamericanheritage #center #art #funny #like #immigrants #immigrant #history #historical #christmas #christmasinjuly #polka #buttons #vintage #antique
…

Open
Schuetzen Park Celebration
Sunday August 2nd | 1:00 pm
FREE

�The Schuetzen Park will continue its 155th anniversary celebration of the grand opening of the Park which took place in June 1870 with a free public concert. The Deutsche Polka Band will headline the event on Sunday August 2nd. Beginning at 1:00 food and drinks will be served, and the concert will commence at 2:00. Admission to the Park is always free.

Schuetzen Park is located at 700 Waverly Road in Davenport. More information can be obtained by calling: 563-449-2358 or by email: SchuetzenPark@yahoo.com.

Photo from Davenport Iowa History:
Schuetzen Park Club House - 1902
"The beautiful and inviting Club House at Schuetzen Park was under the care of Bruchman & Co. in 1902. August Bruchman and Fred Kuehl were lessees of the park, operating the saloon, restaurant, dancing pavilion and bowling alley. Fred Kuehl was the manager of the Turner Hall and the New Grand Opera House at Third and Scott streets, while his brother-in-law, August Bruchman, was the former head bartender at the Turner Hall. August and his wife Mary resided at Schuetzen Park."

Schuetzen Park Celebration
Sunday August 2nd | 1:00 pm
FREE

�The Schuetzen Park will continue its 155th anniversary celebration of the grand opening of the Park which took place in June 1870 with a free public concert. The Deutsche Polka Band will headline the event on Sunday August 2nd. Beginning at 1:00 food and drinks will be served, and the concert will commence at 2:00. Admission to the Park is always free.

Schuetzen Park is located at 700 Waverly Road in Davenport. More information can be obtained by calling: 563-449-2358 or by email: [email protected].

Photo from Davenport Iowa History:
Schuetzen Park Club House – 1902
"The beautiful and inviting Club House at Schuetzen Park was under the care of Bruchman & Co. in 1902. August Bruchman and Fred Kuehl were lessees of the park, operating the saloon, restaurant, dancing pavilion and bowling alley. Fred Kuehl was the manager of the Turner Hall and the New Grand Opera House at Third and Scott streets, while his brother-in-law, August Bruchman, was the former head bartender at the Turner Hall. August and his wife Mary resided at Schuetzen Park."
…

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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