“Dear Mother,
We arrived safely in Davenport and start for Saint Louis in half an hour. I shall write as soonas I get to St. Louis.
Yours,
Alfred Cree 22nd Iowa”

The Union soldier Alfred Cree would be astonished to learn that his quick note home on Iowa military stationary is but one of many fascinating and touching artifacts and documents in the newly opened exhibit “The Civil War: The German Element” which is now open through August 7, 2011 at the German American Heritage Center. Cree’s letter and many other features help mark the 150th anniversary of theoutbreak of the war in 1861.

Visitors will enjoy such items as maps, currency, postage stamps and documents, guns, sabers, cartridge boxes, and period uniform and dress. Children can decide how to “pack your haversack,” an old-fashioned term for today’s backpack, by choosing from a variety of items that soldiers of the time typically carried as they arched off to war.

Over twelve portraits of German immigrants who contributed to the Civil War are also on display, and there are numerous connections to local citizens and events which played a part in the nation’s most dramatic struggle for survival. Come by for a rewarding visual experience and bring your family and friends. Group tours for this exhibit and our permanent exhibit “The German Immigrant Experience” may be arranged at 563-322-8844 or by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

German American Heritage Center Hours:
Tuesday thru Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday – Noon to 4:00 p.m.

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