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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 us 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 [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 [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

1,454 1,992

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

Open
The museum opened in 2000, but before that, it was a hotel! Opened in the 1860s, the hotel housed thousands of German immigrants as they arrived in the Quad Cities. 

It remained a hotel until 1990, then the organization purchased the building in 1994 and began renovations to transform it into a museum. The last photo is from 1995.

The museum opened in 2000, but before that, it was a hotel! Opened in the 1860s, the hotel housed thousands of German immigrants as they arrived in the Quad Cities.

It remained a hotel until 1990, then the organization purchased the building in 1994 and began renovations to transform it into a museum. The last photo is from 1995.
…

Open
Our next Kaffee und Kuchen program is this Sunday, November 15th, and we will dig into the history of the Dragoon Trail in Iowa. Dr. Kevin Mason, Professor at UNI will share how Iowa's prairies and wetlands evolved into the farms, towns, and highways we know today. Blending environmental history, Indigenous perspectives, and the spirit of firsthand travel, this engaging presentation reveals how Iowa’s landscape still echoes with the stories of its past.

Free and open to the public! RSVP online or walk ins welcome.
1:30 pm refreshments
2:00 pm program
@notesoniowa

Our next Kaffee und Kuchen program is this Sunday, November 15th, and we will dig into the history of the Dragoon Trail in Iowa. Dr. Kevin Mason, Professor at UNI will share how Iowa`s prairies and wetlands evolved into the farms, towns, and highways we know today. Blending environmental history, Indigenous perspectives, and the spirit of firsthand travel, this engaging presentation reveals how Iowa’s landscape still echoes with the stories of its past.

Free and open to the public! RSVP online or walk ins welcome.
1:30 pm refreshments
2:00 pm program
@notesoniowa
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 5 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.

Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 5 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 4 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.

Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 4 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 3 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.

Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 3 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.
…

Open
Have you ever wanted to travel to Germany? Join us this Sunday November 1st at 2:00 pm for an information session about the German American Heritage Center and Museum's upcoming trip to Germany in July 2028. Learn about the Emerald Cruises Wines of the Rhine and Moselle trip including itinerary, accomodations, pricing, and special offers when you book through the Museum. This is an informational session only with no commitment necessary. Bring your questions!

This session will be hybrid and recorded. The meeting will also be available on Zoom. RSVP online, link in the comments.

Have you ever wanted to travel to Germany? Join us this Sunday November 1st at 2:00 pm for an information session about the German American Heritage Center and Museum`s upcoming trip to Germany in July 2028. Learn about the Emerald Cruises Wines of the Rhine and Moselle trip including itinerary, accomodations, pricing, and special offers when you book through the Museum. This is an informational session only with no commitment necessary. Bring your questions!

This session will be hybrid and recorded. The meeting will also be available on Zoom. RSVP online, link in the comments.
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 2 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.

Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 2 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.
…

Open
Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 1 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.

Guests Who Never Checked Out: Peggy Treese, Part 1 of 5
Follow along this week to learn about the mystery of Peggy Treese. She was staying at the Standard Hotel when her body was found on September 30th 1947 on Credit Island. Her m*rder was never solved and still remains a mystery.
…

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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