Hallo, Freunde!

Please be reminded that GAHC is closed both days on Easter weekend, April 19-20.  We look forward to welcoming all our members and friends to two new exhibits opening by April 25:
  • The World of Berta Hummel  --  Third Floor Gallery
  • 100 Years, 100 Stories - Celebrating the Centennial of the Quad City Symphony  --  First Floor Gallery

 

Looking for interesting events in the region with German connections?

Try these:

 

ZITHER FEST 2014 - featuring zither master TOMY TEMERSON

Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 pm

Society of the Danube Swabians

625 Seegers Road, Des Plaines, IL

$15 in advance or $20 at the door

 

Contact Janet Stessl
Phone: 773-631-2854

E-mail JanStessl@aol.com

 

Spring Open House of the Old Stone Church

hosted by The Friends of The Old Stone Church

Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

Janet Phillips and Lori Carroll, volunteer organists

will be provide music on the pump organ from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.

 

Contact John Scott

Email: jscott@machlink.com

phone: 563-299-8205

The stone building was erected by the members of Pine Mills German Methodist Episcopal Church in 1868. Restoration to a usable condition by members of the organization was completed in time for a Christmas Service in December of 2011, commemorating the last previous service of Christmas of 1911.

 

Did the winter keep you by the fireside? Take a look at our events so far in 2014 and rejoice in the activities and enrichment your organization has to offer.

 

Hinges and Hearts Exhibit

Kautz Farms: A Living Legacy Exhibit

Open House / 48'er Film                                Jan. 6

Puppets and Pies                                             Feb. 7

Paul Cutting on German Immigrant Cabins*    Feb. 23

Mark Russell Smith on Mahler's 3rd**             Mar. 8

Basket Workshop                                Mar. 30

Scherenschnitte Papercutting Workshop          April 6

 

Scroll down to the bottom right on the Home Page and click on Jerry Lowe's Photo Album to catch up with what's been happening; your favorite photos are downloadable!                 

 

*GAHC is pleased to recognize support from the Sons of Norway and the Rotary Club of North Scott to make this program possible.

**Program made possible by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Danke!!

Watch a Virtual Tour of Our Museum!
Click here to watch the tour.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Celebrating Mendelssohn: Composer and Conductor Extraordinaire

Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission; Free for museum members.
Presented by Don Wooten

Trip to German Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Saturday, July 24

Click here for details on the trip.

School Cones: A German Tradition Comes to the Quad Cities
Sunday July 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission; Free for museum members

Presented by Julie Wall of Trinity Lutheran School
Since the early 19th century, the rite of passage for children in German speaking areas as they entered formal schooling was celebrated with the gifting of School Cones (Schultüten) on the first day of school.

German-Wends Cultural Festival
Saturday, August 21
Cost: Free with museum admission; Free for museum members
Join us for a full day of Wendish cultural demonstrations, music, dancing and more! In addition visitors can explore the museum's 4,000 square feet of exhibits where you will enjoy an interactive experience as they learn about immigrants' journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the German American Heritage Center building, which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s.

German Level I
Prerequisite: None
Date: Meets Tuesdays starting August 3, 2010
Time/Location: 5:00-6:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual. To register call 563-322-8844.

German Level II 
Class meets 90 minutes once a week for 12 weeks.
Prerequisite: German I or some basic knowledge of German language.
Dates: Meets Tuesdays starting August 3, 2010
Time/Location: 7-8:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual.  To register call 563-322-8844.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (March 16, 2010)  A presentation called "Tourism in Germany: What to Do, See and Say" will be held Saturday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center at 712 West 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa. Reminiscing on travel experiences or exploring future excursions can seem like a welcome mini-getaway. This presentation will share some ideas for destinations and activities in the south of Germany (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg) as well as some helpful words and phrases for you to get by on your next trip to Germany, Austria and/or Switzerland. This event will be hosted by Bryan Schmid and is free for members and free with museum admission for nonmembers.

In addition to the presentation visitors can explore the museum's 4,000 square feet of permanent and special exhibits. Visitors will enjoy an interactive experience as they learn about immigrants' journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the German American Heritage Center building, which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s. The current special rotating exhibit is Amana: Moving to the City. This exhibit features artifacts and explores how Amana society members made a difficult decision to leave the communal society during the Great Depression to come to the City of Davenport.

The German American Heritage Center works to preserve and enrich the German immigrant experience and its impact on the American Culture. The museum also partners with other cultural groups to demonstrate the contributions immigrants from many countries and from varied backgrounds have made to the ethnic palette which is the United States.

For more information on all of the museum's exhibits, programs, events, classes, and workshops visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844. General admission is: Adults: $5; Seniors:$4; Children: $3 (5 - 17 years old); Free for children under 5. Museum members are free. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturday open 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday open 12 - 4 pm.

-END-

Tourism in Germany: What to Do, See and Say on Saturday, March 27 at 2 p.m.

We hope you will join us on Saturday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. for our next program, "Tourism in Germany: What to Do, See and Say." Reminiscing on travel experiences or exploring future excursions can seem like a welcome mini-getaway. This presentation will share some ideas for destinations and activities in the south of Germany (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg) as well as some helpful words and phrases for you to get by on your next trip to Germany, Austria and/or Switzerland. This event will be hosted by Bryan Schmid and is free for members and free with museum admission for nonmembers.
A few spots still open in our German Language Classes. Sign up today! Class start next Tuesday the 23rd.

German Level I
Prerequisite:
None
Date: Meets Tuesdays afternoons starting March 23 - June 15 (No class April 20.)
Time/Location: 5:00-6:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual
Text: Chapters 1-4 of German - a Self-teaching Guide (available through the museum).
Vocabulary topics: greetings, introductions, telling about yourself and your family, useful expressions, numbers (measurements, currencies, sizes, temperature), food, restaurants & eating, hotels and overnight accommodations. Lessons may include additional topics as needed. To register call  563-322-8844.

German Level II
Prerequisite: German I or some basic knowledge of German language.
Dates: Meets Tuesday evenings starting March 23 - June 15 (No class April 20.)
Time/Location: 7-8:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual
Text: Chapters 5-8  of the text German - a Self-teaching Guide Available through the museum.
Vocabulary and conversation topics: Numbers, telling time, train and air travel, shopping, health care, & going to the doctor in Germany, entertainment and recreation.  Lessons may include additional topics as needed.  To register call  563-322-8844. 


ALL ABOARD! Join us for a day trip to historic Kalona, Iowa on  Monday,  May 3, 2010 . Reserve your spot soon!


Time:
7:15 a.m.-5:35 p.m.
(Bus departs/returns at the German American Heritage Center)

Cost: Members $55;
Non-members $65
Includes transportation by motor coach, family style lunch in a farm house, and tours. Lunch will be in a farm house and served family style. Lunch will include roast beef, noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread, relish, pies and ice tea or coffee. 

Description:
Relive the 1800's when you visit the Historical Village with its 13 authentically restored buildings. Throughout the day you'll travel the scenic back-roads with our guides and experience a new sense of the hard work and family ethic that continues to mark the Amish way of life. We will explore Kalona Historic Village and Quilt & Textile Museum. Also enjoy a visit to the bakery, shops and general store. During the trip, you will also have an opportunity to watch a live horse auction as well. Watch demonstrations such as noodle making and cheese making, and traditional crafts including woodworking.
To reserve your spot for the trip, call 563-322-8844 before April 26. We encourage you to register soon, as space is limited.
New Special Amana Exhibit Opens March 5 at the German American Heritage Center
The German American Heritage Center is excited to bring you this new exhibit in partnership with the Amana Heritage Society. Along with several artifacts, fascinating personal stories from descendants bring to life trades Amana members brought from Germany including blacksmithing, baking, butchering, weaving and more.  The exhibit focuses on the time during the Great Depression when some members of the Amana communal society  made a difficult decision to move to the City of Davenport.

This exhibit is in honor of Henry R. and Marie A. Schaefer who emigrated from the Amana Colonies and the security of the communal society to Davenport to explore a new life outside the system. This exhibit is sponsored by the children of Henry R. and Marie A. Schaefer: Richard H. Schaefer, Marilyn L. Schaefer, Carol H. Schaefer,Suzan M. Schaefer, and Jack T. Schaefer.
German Language Classes
German Level I
Prerequisite:
None
Date: Meets Tuesdays afternoons starting March 23 - June 15 (No class April 20.)
Time/Location: 5:00-6:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual
Text: Chapters 1-4 of German - a Self-teaching Guide (available through the GAHC).
Vocabulary topics: greetings, introductions, telling about yourself and your family, useful expressions, numbers (measurements, currencies, sizes, temperature), food, restaurants & eating, hotels and overnight accommodations. Lessons may include additional topics as needed.
Grammar topics:  Subject and object pronouns, the many German words for "the" and "you,"  present tense forms of verbs, nouns and plurals, differences in German and English word order, introduction to adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions. To register call  563-322-8844.

German Level II
Class meets 90 minutes once a week for 12 weeks.
Prerequisite:
German I or some basic knowledge of German language.
Dates: Meets Tuesday evenings starting March 23 - June 15 (No class April 20.)
Time/Location: 7-8:30 pm at the German American Heritage Center, 4th floor
Cost: Members: $75 for the course and $20 for the manual; Nonmembers: $95 for the class and $20 for the manual
Text: Chapters 5-8  of the text German - a Self-teaching Guide (Available through the GAHC. This is a continuation of the same manual used in German I at GAHC.)
Vocabulary and conversation topics: Numbers, telling time, train and air travel, shopping, health care, & going to the doctor in Germany, entertainment and recreation.  Lessons may include additional topics as needed.
Grammar topics:  Review of Level I as needed; past and future tense forms of verbs; more about using adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and prepositions; continued practice with German word order. To register call  563-322-8844. 


In This Issue
New Amana Exhibit in Quad Cities
German Language Classes
German Gardening Presentation
Bus Trip: Historic Kalona, Iowa
Schrebergärten:
Community Gardening in Germany and America
Date/Time: Saturday,
February 27, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Cost:
Free with general admission; Free for members
Place: German American Heritage Center, 712 W 2nd St., Davenport, Iowa

Description: Community gardening began in Germany during the Industrial Revolution as a way to escape from the dirty and polluted cities. Today, they still provide an "escape" for some, but are not limited to that alone. They provide learning experiences for children, a stress reliever for adults, and a source of fresh, cheap produce. The importance of community gardening is growing with higher food prices, increasing populations, and as a means of beautification of derelict neighborhoods and cities. This presentation will be given by Bryan Schmid.
ALL ABOARD!
Join us for a day trip to historic Kalona, Iowa on  Monday,  May 3, 2010 . Reserve your spot soon!

Time:
7:15 a.m.-5:35 p.m.
(Bus departs/returns at the German American Heritage Center)

Cost: Members $55;
Non-members $65
Includes transportation by motor coach, family style lunch in a farm house, and tours. Lunch will be in a farm house and served family style. Lunch will include roast beef, noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread, relish, pies and ice tea or coffee. 

Description:
Relive the 1800's when you visit the Historical Village with its 13 authentically restored buildings. Throughout the day you'll travel the scenic back-roads with our guides and experience a new sense of the hard work and family ethic that continues to mark the Amish way of life. We will explore Kalona Historic Village and Quilt & Textile Museum. Also enjoy a visit to the bakery, shops and general store. During the trip, you will also have an opportunity to watch a live horse auction as well. Watch demonstrations such as noodle making and cheese making, and traditional crafts including woodworking.
To reserve your spot for the trip, call 563-322-8844 before April 26. We encourage you to register soon, as space is limited.

The Christmas Village Exhibit

The village exhibit includes the collection of Arlene Rose Considine, of Clinton, Iowa. These houses will be nestled among the vintage and log houses. A 7-foot German feather tree decorated with German ornaments from 1850 -1930 will also be displayed. Additional unique German ornaments will also be showcased. 

The German Immigrant Experience Exhibit

Enjoy an interactive experience as you learn about immigrants' journies by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the German American Heritage Center building, which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s. Two original hotel rooms are included. The second half of the exhibit shows contributions to the region by immigrants, and highlights daily life, from recreation, family life, religion and organizations.

Christkindlmarkt

Stop in our museum gift shop until December 23rd for gifts imported from Germany: Nutcrackers, Steins, Glass Ornaments and Smokers.

Give the gift that gives all year long this holiday season.

Gift memberships are available now through December 23, 2009 for $5 off the regular membership price as shown below. Membership benefits include free admission to the museum and special exhibits all year, free programs, discounts and special member-only events. Contact us at (563) 322-8844 or visit www.gahc.org

GIFT MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL
INDIVIDUAL $30 (Regular price,$35)

COUPLE $40
(TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)
(Regular price, $45)

HOUSEHOLD $50 (UP TO TWO ADULTS & CHILDREN IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)
(Regular price, $55)

GRANDPARENTS $50 (UP TO TWO GRANDPARENTS & THEIR GRANDCHILDREN)
(Regular price, $55)
To ring in the holiday season, the public is invited to a traditional bell choir and zither concert this Sunday, December 6, 2009 at the Downtown Davenport YMCA.  The concert is coordinated by the German American Heritage Center.

Admission is $5 per person or free for members of the German American Heritage Center.

The concert features the St. Mark Celebration Bell Choir and the National Zither Ensemble of the German American Heritage Center. Traditional Christmas songs will include "O Come, Little Children," "Still, Still, Still," "Oh, How Joyfully," "Silent Night (with Lisa Crews on flute)," and "Ding Dong Merrily on High."

GAHC_Berlin_Wall

 

To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of Berlin Wall the German American Heritage Center & Museum in Davenport, Iowa has published an in depth series that chronicles a personal account of the Berlin Wall before and after the fall. The series is published on the museum's website here.

The series includes the following sections:

Part 2:
Barbed Wire
Part 3:
Checkpoint Charlie
Part 4:
A Run Through"17th of June"

Find a unique imported gift from Germany right in the Quad Cities! Visit our museum gift shop to discover new items including nutcrackers, smokers, steins, linens, crystal, candles, tree toppers, inge-glass ornaments and more! Consider a gift family museum membership to go with your unique gift item. Holiday gift memberships are $5 off during the Christkindlmarkt market.


November 21 through December 23 at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W 2nd St, Davenport.

Opens November 20 (November - December) at the German American Heritage Center & Museum in Davenport.

 

Celebrate the wonder of the Christmas traditions. The Christmas Village exhibit includes the Bethlehem Christmas village and Nativity scene. Look closely, and you will see hand-carved wooden figures that represent the craftsmanship of the artisans who created them in the 1700s and 1800s. The village exhibit includes the collection of Arlene Rose Considine, of Clinton, Iowa. Over the years, she found these treasures in Christmas markets, antique shops and flea markets in Slovenia, Austria and Germany.  (Museum members can enjoy a member-only preview of the exhibit on Thursday, November 19 from 4:30-7 p.m.)


FREE with admission ($5.00) or free to museum members.

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