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    • Shaped By Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States
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  • Visit
    • TOURS
    • Accessibility
    • HOURS & LOCATION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • ADMISSION
    • GIFT SHOP
  • Exhibits
    • The German Immigrant Experience
    • Everyday Lives, Extraordinary Voices: Ruth Suckow’s Iowa
    • Shaped By Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Learn
    • GAHC From Home
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
    • Resources
    • Translation Services
    • Book Discussions​
    • Blog
    • Travel
    • Stammtisch
  • Events
  • About
    • About Us
    • Collections
    • DEAI Statement
    • Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
  • Private Events
  • Donate

Volunteer

Volunteer with us

Learn about the Museum

You can make a difference!

Explore our opportunities

Whether it’s greeting visitors, serving on a committee, or helping with special events, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers are a vital part of the museum’s existence.

There are many opportunities to get involved at the German American Heritage Center and Museum. We’re always looking for friendly faces to help in the museum and with our many programs and events. Spend some time doing something you enjoy for the sake of our shared community!

Thinking About Getting Involved?
Share some basic contact information and what you are interested in volunteering for and we’ll be in touch!
Email Aaron Baker at [email protected] or call 563-322-8844.

Front Desk Volunteers

As a front desk volunteer, you’ll be the first to welcome guests to the museum! Take admission tickets, help with wayfinding, share happenings, answer questions, and assist with stocking items in our gift shop. This opportunity is available Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For questions and further information, please contact Aaron Baker at [email protected].

Special Event Volunteers

We rely on volunteers to help with our special events throughout the year. 

We host a variety of fun and fascinating events each year ranging from our annual Oktoberfest, Best of the Wurst, VW Car Show, Vendor Fairs, and more. Our events bring culture and community together while raising funds for the museum. These events would not be possible without the help of our volunteers.

For questions and further information, please contact Aaron Baker at [email protected].

Become a Docent

Looking for a new way to get involved? As a docent, you’ll help lead tours, engage with visitors, share the stories that shaped our community, and help preserve our history for future generations.

Training is provided.

To get started, complete our interest form here.

Join one of our Committees

We have numerous committees that are constantly working on new ideas to improve and make decisions on behalf of the museum. 

Participate in one of our many committees and bring your perspective and expertise to our organization. Committees typically meet every 8 weeks.

Our current committees:

  • Programming Committee
  • Building and Grounds Committee
  • Marketing Committee
  • Events Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Governance Committee

For questions and further information, please contact Kirk Marske at [email protected].

Join our Board of Directors

Looking to be involved in a more meaningful way? Consider joining our Board of Directors to be a part of decision-making that makes a long-lasting impact on our organization. 

Join our board of directors and bring your diverse skill set and perspective to the GAHC+M. The Board of Directors meets every 8 weeks and makes strategic decisions for the short- and long-term sustainability of the museum.

For further information and a board application, please contact Kirk Marske at [email protected].

"Museums like the GAHC+M help bring people together on common ground, provide insight into the past, and allow for creativity and growth both mentally and spiritually.”
Lee M.
Lee M.
"Volunteering has given me the opportunity to be a part of living history and reminding people of the forgotten. History feels so much more real when you’re standing on or near the location where these events took place."
LaDella G.
LaDella G.
"Being involved in the program committee is a creative outlet. I get to brainstorm like mad with other people. Nothing's off the table. I can dream. I can make connections. I can learn. I can influence. I can support. I can admire. I can make a little bit of difference.”
Hedy H.
Hedy H.
"In addition to giving you purpose, you are learning new skills, meeting new people, and making a difference in an organization. The staff keeps me well informed, asks for input and ideas, and makes me feel valued.”
Donna P.
Donna P.
"Volunteering enriches one's life and provides a purposeful role in the community. The cultural enrichment that comes from volunteering promotes empathy and a deeper appreciation of civilization and our heritage.“
Chris S.
Chris S.

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German American Heritage Center and Museum

germanamericanheritagecenter

1,445 1,927

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

Open
📜 This Saturday is the annual Quad Cities Archives Fair at the Putnam Museum! From 1:00 - 4:00 pm We will have over 20 institutions and resource tables sharing information about their collections, resources, and upcoming events in the area.

🧪 Stick around for a presentation at 1:30 or 3 pm with Curator of Natural History, Christine Chandler as she speaks about Strange Objects in the Putnam's collections.

⏰ This event is free and open to the public. We will have complimentary hot cocoa and cookies in the lobby. And remember to enter to win one of two raffle baskets!

🎟️ The Archives Fair event is free, but museum admission is required if you would like to explore the exhibits.

This event is planned by QC Stacks, an informal group for Quad Cities "collections people" (librarians, archivists, curators, collections managers, etc.).

📜 This Saturday is the annual Quad Cities Archives Fair at the Putnam Museum! From 1:00 – 4:00 pm We will have over 20 institutions and resource tables sharing information about their collections, resources, and upcoming events in the area.

🧪 Stick around for a presentation at 1:30 or 3 pm with Curator of Natural History, Christine Chandler as she speaks about Strange Objects in the Putnam`s collections.

⏰ This event is free and open to the public. We will have complimentary hot cocoa and cookies in the lobby. And remember to enter to win one of two raffle baskets!

🎟️ The Archives Fair event is free, but museum admission is required if you would like to explore the exhibits.

This event is planned by QC Stacks, an informal group for Quad Cities "collections people" (librarians, archivists, curators, collections managers, etc.).
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out, Part 4: Arthur Wundram.

Arthur Wundram, 20, was at the Miller's Hotel Saloon on a cold January evening in 1912. He was enjoying the company at the bar and enjoying a glass of whiskey. The testimonies vary, but according to newspaper records, the men at the bar wanted to mess with young Arthur, and dared him to drink more than he should've. He ended up having several full beer glasses of whiskey that night. At closing, Arthur was too intoxicated to stand up, let alone walk home. The men at the bar threw him into the barn behind the saloon, and covered him with straw to sleep it off. It was below freezing, and their decision and lack of care caused Arthur's eventual death. 
In the morning, Arthur was retrived from the barn and brought up to a hotel room. A doctor was called and confirmed Arthur's poor condition. He passed away at 4 pm that afternoon. A lethal mix of probable alochol poisoning plus a long night in the freezing cold was too much for him to endure. The patrons of the bar and the saloon keeper were arrested and questioned. They lied to Arthur's family when they had called looking for him the night he didn't come home. They claimed Arthur was not at the bar and that he was not served anything to drink. Arthur's story is unfortunate and should serve as a reminder that what seems like fun and games to one person, might be deadly to someone else. 
The Wundram family came to the United States in 1884 from Schleswig-Holstein, like so many other German immigrant families in Davenport. Arthur's parents opened an operated a grocery store on Second Street and then moved locations to Fourth Street to provide for their family. Arthur Wundram was the uncle of well-known QCA reporter and colunmnist, Bill Wundram.

Guests Who Never Checked Out, Part 4: Arthur Wundram.

Arthur Wundram, 20, was at the Miller`s Hotel Saloon on a cold January evening in 1912. He was enjoying the company at the bar and enjoying a glass of whiskey. The testimonies vary, but according to newspaper records, the men at the bar wanted to mess with young Arthur, and dared him to drink more than he should`ve. He ended up having several full beer glasses of whiskey that night. At closing, Arthur was too intoxicated to stand up, let alone walk home. The men at the bar threw him into the barn behind the saloon, and covered him with straw to sleep it off. It was below freezing, and their decision and lack of care caused Arthur`s eventual death.
In the morning, Arthur was retrived from the barn and brought up to a hotel room. A doctor was called and confirmed Arthur`s poor condition. He passed away at 4 pm that afternoon. A lethal mix of probable alochol poisoning plus a long night in the freezing cold was too much for him to endure. The patrons of the bar and the saloon keeper were arrested and questioned. They lied to Arthur`s family when they had called looking for him the night he didn`t come home. They claimed Arthur was not at the bar and that he was not served anything to drink. Arthur`s story is unfortunate and should serve as a reminder that what seems like fun and games to one person, might be deadly to someone else.
The Wundram family came to the United States in 1884 from Schleswig-Holstein, like so many other German immigrant families in Davenport. Arthur`s parents opened an operated a grocery store on Second Street and then moved locations to Fourth Street to provide for their family. Arthur Wundram was the uncle of well-known QCA reporter and colunmnist, Bill Wundram.
…

Open
Guests who never checked out, Part 3: Albert Shawcross.

There have been several fires throughout the history of our building. One of the most horrifying is the story of Albert Shawcross. In a drunken stupor, Albert was heading to bed when he accidentally knocked his oil lamp off the side table and onto himself. His clothing quickly went up in flames and seeking help, went to the halls to find anyone else around. The only other person in the halls was a blind man, who could not see what was happening but could feel the heat from the man in front of him. 

Unfortunately, Albert did not survive this accident. He was pronounced d*ad at the hospital after the ambulance was called to take him to a doctor. Do you think Albert could still be roaming the halls?

Guests who never checked out, Part 3: Albert Shawcross.

There have been several fires throughout the history of our building. One of the most horrifying is the story of Albert Shawcross. In a drunken stupor, Albert was heading to bed when he accidentally knocked his oil lamp off the side table and onto himself. His clothing quickly went up in flames and seeking help, went to the halls to find anyone else around. The only other person in the halls was a blind man, who could not see what was happening but could feel the heat from the man in front of him.

Unfortunately, Albert did not survive this accident. He was pronounced d*ad at the hospital after the ambulance was called to take him to a doctor. Do you think Albert could still be roaming the halls?
…

Open
Guests who never checked out, Part 2: Paul Löbel
In 1891, Paul Löbel went up to his room at the Germania House, agitated and feeling the withdrawls of alcohol since he had been refused service at the bar. In his frenzy, he decided to drink chloral hydrate, commonly used for sedation or relaxation, but in large doses can be fatal. Paul took too much, and was discovered the next morning.

Guests who never checked out, Part 2: Paul Löbel
In 1891, Paul Löbel went up to his room at the Germania House, agitated and feeling the withdrawls of alcohol since he had been refused service at the bar. In his frenzy, he decided to drink chloral hydrate, commonly used for sedation or relaxation, but in large doses can be fatal. Paul took too much, and was discovered the next morning.
…

Open
🇩🇪 October 6 is German-American Day, established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan to celebrate German-American heritage and commemorate the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1683.

Today is also the traditional kickoff to the Annual Appeal for the German American Heritage Center and Museum, and all contributions provide support for our operations, exhibitions, programs, and events throughout the year.  Look for information about our 2026 Annual Appeal this fall in your mailbox, on our social media platforms, and in our e-newsletters.  Donation checks can also be mailed to the German American Heritage Center and Museum, 712 W. 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802 through the end of the year.  Or, donate online on our Donation page at www.gahc.org.

Every donation to the Annual Appeal - in any amount - supports our National Historic Site and arts and culture in the Quad Cities.

🇩🇪 October 6 is German-American Day, established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan to celebrate German-American heritage and commemorate the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1683.

Today is also the traditional kickoff to the Annual Appeal for the German American Heritage Center and Museum, and all contributions provide support for our operations, exhibitions, programs, and events throughout the year. Look for information about our 2026 Annual Appeal this fall in your mailbox, on our social media platforms, and in our e-newsletters. Donation checks can also be mailed to the German American Heritage Center and Museum, 712 W. 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802 through the end of the year. Or, donate online on our Donation page at www.gahc.org.

Every donation to the Annual Appeal – in any amount – supports our National Historic Site and arts and culture in the Quad Cities.
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out: Part 1, Viola Banderob
Content warning: death by s*icide

Viola was a widow who was staying at the Standard Hotel in 1953. She was lonely, had no living relatives, and was battling many health issues before she decided to take her life. We do not know much about her life and what she was experiencing personally, but it is a sad and unfortunately true part of our building’s history. At the time, there were not many resources available for people living with depression and it was taboo to talk about. We can only imagine her grief and struggles she was facing and have sympathy for her situation.

Guests Who Never Checked Out: Part 1, Viola Banderob
Content warning: death by s*icide

Viola was a widow who was staying at the Standard Hotel in 1953. She was lonely, had no living relatives, and was battling many health issues before she decided to take her life. We do not know much about her life and what she was experiencing personally, but it is a sad and unfortunately true part of our building’s history. At the time, there were not many resources available for people living with depression and it was taboo to talk about. We can only imagine her grief and struggles she was facing and have sympathy for her situation.
…

Open
👻 Is it haunted?? Find out for yourself on October 10th during our "Geisternacht" paranormal investigation of the former hotel-turned-museum. Tickets at $30 per person and include snacks throughout the night, plus access to a cash bar. All proceeds from this event support historic preservation and programming at the German American Hertiage Center and Museum. 
https://events.humanitix.com/geisternacht-paranormal-investigation-of-the-gahc-m 
Space is limited. Not recommended for children under 13. Anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

👻 Is it haunted?? Find out for yourself on October 10th during our "Geisternacht" paranormal investigation of the former hotel-turned-museum. Tickets at $30 per person and include snacks throughout the night, plus access to a cash bar. All proceeds from this event support historic preservation and programming at the German American Hertiage Center and Museum.
https://events.humanitix.com/geisternacht-paranormal-investigation-of-the-gahc-m
Space is limited. Not recommended for children under 13. Anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
…

Open
Purportedly based on a true story, The Lost One (1951) is a noir-inflected drama, told in flashback, about a doctor at a displaced persons camp haunted by his secret wartime experiments for the Nazis and his murder of his fiancée (and, subsequently, other women) out of jealousy or perverted patriotism. Remarkably bleak and unforgiving, Lorre’s film was not popular among postwar German audiences, who were not ready to confront the guilt and tragedy as a result of the Third Reich. 
You can see The Lost One (Der Verlorene) at the Last Picture House on September 30th. Get tickets online here: https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house-q2b9u4zv

Purportedly based on a true story, The Lost One (1951) is a noir-inflected drama, told in flashback, about a doctor at a displaced persons camp haunted by his secret wartime experiments for the Nazis and his murder of his fiancée (and, subsequently, other women) out of jealousy or perverted patriotism. Remarkably bleak and unforgiving, Lorre’s film was not popular among postwar German audiences, who were not ready to confront the guilt and tragedy as a result of the Third Reich.
You can see The Lost One (Der Verlorene) at the Last Picture House on September 30th. Get tickets online here: https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house-q2b9u4zv
…

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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