German American Heritage Center & Museum

08/27/2026

Please stay informed on the project coming to 2nd and Gaines. The museum will remain open and accessible throughout the construction project!

Starting August 31, Davenport is taking another step toward stronger flood resilience with a project at 2nd and Gaines. Crews will be raising the road by about 2 feet, which will help keep access to the Centennial Bridge open without intervention during higher river levels.

Here’s the scoop - the bridge ramps will stay open throughout the project - you’ll just access them a little differently. During Phase 1, W 2nd St will be closed on both sides of the bridge. Traffic coming off the bridge will head toward Western. To get onto the bridge, drivers should take River Dr and turn at Brown St.

The project is part of a $17.8M investment in five flood resilience projects, supported by a $13.1M federal grant. In addition to raising the road, the project includes upgrades to the storm sewer system, traffic signals, and ADA compliant curb improvements.

We’ll provide travel updates as work progresses. The work is expected to wrap up this winter.

Thanks for your patience as we make this important step toward a more flood resilient community.

08/26/2026

The German American Heritage Center & Museum and The Last Picture House present "The Lost Years of German Cinema", a film series being presented every Wednesday in September.

Films include THE THIRD MAN (9/2), A FOREIGN AFFAIR (9/9), GERMANY YEAR ZERO (9/16), ONE TWO THREE (9/23) and THE LOST ONE (9/30). Stay after each film for an optional Q&A session about the films and actors. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the German American Heritage Center and Museum's programming.

Tickets can only be purchased at gahc.org or https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house-q2b9u4zv

08/25/2026

The German American Heritage Center and Museum and The Last Picture House are happy to present, “The Lost Years of German Cinema” every Wednesday this September. Check out the full schedule and get tickets through our website or this direct link: https://events.humanitix.com/film-series-at-the-last-picture-house-q2b9u4zv

08/21/2026

When the German American Heritage Center building faced an uncertain future, a group of determined people chose to believe it was worth saving.

Over 30 years ago, our founders, volunteers, donors, and preservation advocates gave their time, energy, and resources to rescue this historic site from deterioration. They saw more than another aging building in Davenport. They saw a place that held the history of our community and the potential of a future home for community stories, cultural heritage, and generations of visitors to learn from those who came before them.

One year after the loss of Davenport’s historic Hiller Building just a block north of us, we are reminded of the hard work and effort it takes to preserve stories of the past. Preservation happens when people act before a place is gone.

Although we have lost many structures and stories to time, we are proud of the work we have done over the last 30 years and can thank community members for acting before it was too late. Because of people like you, we are able to preserve a historic building and provide a space for storytelling, education, and community. Please consider a gift to the German American Heritage Center and Museum which supports the care of this beloved building and keeps its doors open for the stories, connections, and memories that will shape our community’s future.

If you haven’t visited in a while, come to one of our new exhibitions or programs and see what hard work and dedication can lead to!

https://german-american-heritage-center.square.site/

08/20/2026

Deutschland to Davenport Part 6! Did you know we have some pieces in the museum's collection made from hair? Yes, human hair. 💇‍♀️
In the Victorian period, it was fairly common to use hair to make keepsake items of loved ones or memorials after a loved one has passed. These were as simple as watch chains and elaborate as full sized framed wreaths that are works of art.
As photography became more accessible and popular, the hair work fell out of practice. Now, some people find it "creepy" but others appreciate the work and detail that went into these pieces.
What mementos do you keep from your loved ones?

08/13/2026

Deutschland to Davenport Part 5: The story of Gretja Stoltenberg Hahn is one of our favorites! You can learn more about Gretja in our passport experience kiosks throughout our permanent exhibition.

08/12/2026

Have you ever wanted to share your love of history, connect with visitors, and help bring our exhibits to life? Become a museum docent to help make our visitors' experience more memorable!

Docents help transform quiet galleries into dynamic learning spaces with opportunity for dialogue. If you love to learn, tell stories, and are excited about local history, being a docent might be a great fit for you.

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 will be provided through three 2-hour sessions beginning in September, with dates scheduled around participant availability.

To get started, complete our online interest form: https://forms.gle/pn9cnSdv7VZ4aioG7

For more information, contact our Education Coordinator at [email protected]

08/01/2026

🎉 Alles Gute zum Geburtstag an GAHC+M! Follow our intern, Bella, as she bakes a Schokoladentorte from Mary Hahn Praktisches Kochbuch published in 1952.

On August 1st, 1994 the German American Hertiage Center was established as a non-profit organization. After 32 years, we have restored the building into a museum, and now offer programs, special exhibitions, events, and so much more to preseve the German immigrant stories that formed our community in Davenport. Share your favorite recipes or memories with us in the comments! ⬇️