After the culmination of 14 years, the Midwest-upper Mississippi region debuts The German American Heritage Center as a new museum during Grand Opening on October 3-4, 2009
1862 - 2009: From immigrant hotel to interacitve heritage museum

DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 23, 2009) Over the past 14 years, the German American Heritage Center building (712 W Second Street, Davenport, Iowa) was saved from demolition, restored, renovated and became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was accomplished through the efforts of volunteers who gave their time, labor and support to the vision of GAHC.

"The vision of the German American Heritage Center began with a humble start. A small group of passionate volunteers united to celebrate German-American heritage. Since then we have grown into a historic treasure that also reaches across cultural boundaries, finding commonalities amongst us all," said Executive Director, Angela Hunt.

View several photos that show the amazing transformation of the building over the past 14 years in our photo gallery.

Since 2007, GAHC underwent a complete interior renovation and has increased exhibit space by six times the original layout. A ribbon cutting ceremony will kick off the grand opening weekend that takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, 2009 from noon - 4 p.m. Admission is free to GAHC during the grand opening weekend. The museum will debut the improvements and the new interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience." The exhibit takes visitors on an exploration of what it was like to be an immigrant to this area in the 1800s.

A brief history: From immigrant hotel to heritage museum
Built around the late 1860s, the GAHC location appears to have had its earliest history in the hostelry enterprise. Around 1872, the thirty-room hotel was a popular spot for many immigrants, visitors, and farmers who came to Davenport. Its German character as a "Gast Haus" lasted well into the early years of the twentieth century. Today the GAHC serves as a museum, genealogy research center, and educational/cultural resource.

What to expect at the newly expanded museum

New interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience"
The new exhibit space at the museum is 3,550 square feet and includes two additional traveling exhibit spaces. The permanent exhibit is highly interactive and includes a theater, audio-visual stations, artifacts and two restored hotel rooms. The creation of this exhibit area marks a major milestone at GAHC; achieving its goal of providing a premier educational, historical and recreational experience. The exhibit was designed by Morgan-Bailey Consulting out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Additional new traveling and special exhibit spaces
GAHC now has two special/traveling exhibit spaces. These spaces will change throughout the year showcasing different exhibits. Current special exhibits include "Brewery Ephemera," that explores the history of local breweries established by German immigrants; and "A to Zither," a journey into the world of the sounds and tradition of the German zither instrument.

Expanded education and recreational programs and events
With the newly expanded exhibits at GAHC, we will create seven new education programs for schools, new field trips, outreach programs and education tours. The permanent exhibit is specifically designed so that all curriculum areas from geography and literature to science can be explored. Special new group tours, community programs, member-only events and trips will also be offered.

New facility rental space
GAHC has a new rental space on fourth floor that boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the City of Davenport. GAHC will use the space for programs and will also make it available for private and nonprofit groups to rent. Discount rates are available for GAHC members and nonprofit groups. The space can hold up to 100 persons, includes a kitchenette, restrooms, tables/chairs, and audio-visual equipment.

Below are details on the grand opening event:

GRAND OPENING WEEKEND:"The German Immigrant Experience"
Open to the public, Free admission during the grand opening weekend
Saturday, October 3 - 4, 2009; 10 am - 4 pm

Sunday, October 4, 2009; 12 - 4 pm

During grand opening festivities, the Center will unveil the new interactive permanent exhibit. Enjoy special performances by the German Dancers, zither music demonstrations, children's activities, and more. Visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844 for more information. The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd Street, Davenport.

After the grand opening weekend, GAHC will offer new hours. Below the new hours, admission and membership rates are listed:

ADMISSION
$5 ADULTS; $4 SENIOR CITIZENS (60+); $3 CHILDREN (AGES 3 - 17); FREE (UNDER 3)
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $35
COUPLE $45 (TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)
HOUSEHOLD $55 (UP TO TWO ADULTS & CHILDREN IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)
GRANDPARENTS $55 (UP TO TWO GRANDPARENTS & THEIR GRANDCHILDREN)
LIFE MEMBER INDIVIDUAL $1,000 (OR $1,500 FOR TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)

For more information please visit www.gahc.org for photos, videos, programs, and events.

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GRAND OPENING WEEKEND OCTOBER 3-4

1862-2009: From Immigrant Hotel to Interactive Heritage Museum

Over the past 14 years, the German American Heritage Center building (pictured above over the years) was saved from demolition, restored, renovated and became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was accomplished through the efforts of volunteers who gave their time, labor and support to the vision of the center.

"The vision of the German American Heritage Center began with a humble start. A small group of passionate volunteers united to celebrate German-American heritage. Since then we have grown into a historic treasure that also reaches across cultural boundaries, finding commonalities amongst us all," said Executive Director Angela Hunt.

Since 2007, GAHC underwent a complete interior renovation and has increased exhibit space by six times the original layout. A ribbon cutting ceremony will kick off the grand opening weekend that takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, 2009 from noon - 4 p.m. Admission is free during the grand opening weekend. The museum will debut the improvements and the new interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience." The exhibit takes visitors on an exploration of what it was like to be an immigrant to this area in the 1800s.

A brief history: From immigrant hotel to heritage museum:

Built in the late 1860s, the GAHC location appears to have had its earliest history in the hostelry enterprise. Around 1876, the thirty-room hotel was a popular spot for many immigrants, visitors, and farmers who came to Davenport. Its German character as a "Gast Haus" lasted well into the early years of the twentieth century. Today the GAHC serves as a museum, genealogy research center, and educational/cultural resource. Learn more.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NEWLY EXPANDED MUSEUM:

New interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience"

The new exhibit space at the museum is 3,550 square feet and includes two additional traveling exhibit spaces. The permanent exhibit is highly interactive and includes a theater, audio-visual stations, artifacts and two restored hotel rooms. The creation of this exhibit area marks a major milestone at GAHC; achieving its goal of providing a premier educational, historical and recreational experience. The exhibit was designed by Morgan-Bailey Consulting of West Des Moines, Iowa.

New traveling and special exhibits:

GAHC now has two special/traveling exhibit spaces. These spaces will change throughout the year showcasing different exhibits. Current special exhibits include "Brewery Ephemera," that explores the history of local breweries established by German immigrants; and "A to Zither," a journey into the world of the sounds and tradition of the German zither instrument. Click here to learn more.

Expanded education and recreational programs and events:

With the newly expanded exhibits, we will create seven new education programs for schools, new field trips, outreach programs and education tours. The permanent exhibit is specifically designed so that all curriculum areas from geography and literature to science can be explored. Special new group tours, community programs, member-only events and trips will also be offered.

New facility rental space:

GAHC has a new rental space on fourth floor that boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the City of Davenport. GAHC will use the space for programs and will also make it available for private and nonprofit groups to rent. Discount rates are available for GAHC members and nonprofit groups. The space holds up to 100 persons, includes a kitchenette, restrooms, tables/chairs, and audio-visual equipment.

GRAND OPENING WEEKEND:"The German Immigrant Experience"

Open to the public, Free admission during the grand opening weekend

Saturday, October 3 - 4, 2009; 10 am - 4 pm

Sunday, October 4, 2009; 12 - 4 pm

During grand opening festivities, the Center will unveil the new interactive permanent exhibit. Enjoy special performances by folk dancers from the Germany, zither music demonstrations, children's activities, and more. Visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844 for more information. The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd Street, Davenport.

After the grand opening weekend, GAHC will offer new hours. The new hours, admission and membership rates are:

ADMISSION - $5 ADULTS; $4 SENIOR CITIZENS (60+); $3 CHILDREN (AGES 3 - 17); FREE (UNDER 3)

Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
-Quarterly issues of our newsletter, "Infoblatt"
-Free admission to many programs
-Free admission to the new permanent exhibit,
"The German-American Experience" (NEW)
-Special member-only exhibit preview events (NEW)
-Free admission and/or discounts to special exhibits
-10% discount at the gift shop
-Discounts on classes, events, and trips
-Discount to facility rental (NEW)

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:
INDIVIDUAL $35

COUPLE $45 (TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)

HOUSEHOLD $55 (UP TO TWO ADULTS & CHILDREN IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)

GRANDPARENTS $55 (UP TO TWO GRANDPARENTS & THEIR GRANDCHILDREN)

LIFE MEMBER INDIVIDUAL $1,000 (OR $1,500 FOR TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)

For more information please visit www.gahc.org for photos, videos, programs, and events.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 5, 2009) The German American Heritage Center offers new facility rental space on the fourth floor of the historic building. The room can seat up to 100 persons, and boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River. The room is housed with a state of the art surround system, screen, and audio-visual equipment. Please contact us at (563) 322-8844 to reserve your space.

FACILITY RENTAL (GENERAL)
$225 FOR UP TO 3 HOURS (NON-MEMBER RATE)
$175 FOR UP TO 3 HOURS (MEMBER RATE)
$100 PER ADDITIONAL HOUR

(Additional charges apply for audio rental equipment, special set up, etc.)

NON-PROFIT RATE
$25 FOR UP TO 2 HOURS
$10 PER ADDITIONAL HOUR
(GENERAL RATES APPLY FOR NONPROFITS THAT WANT TO RENT THE SPACE 6 PM OR LATER)


German American Heritage Center's plans for the future
In October 2009, GAHC will have a re-grand opening where they will debut their newly expanded space to the community. The space will include a new large permanent exhibit, two traveling exhibit spaces, large program facilities, and an improved parking lot. The GAHC will create new programs based on the new permanent exhibit and two new temporary exhibit spaces. This exhibit is highly interactive, audiovisual and intergenerational.

-END-

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 4, 2009) The German American Heritage Center announces upcoming German classes and festivities for August and September.

Sing-A-Long
A free Summer-Sing-A-Long featuring Stan Muller, an Iowa Accordionist Hall of Fame recipient and traditional German Songs this Sunday, August 9 at the German American Heritage Center. Visitors will learn and sing traditional German songs led by conductor by Henry Storjohann. Stan Muller, an Iowa Accordionist Hall of Fame recipient, will also play along with his accordion. Song sheets will be provided. Visit www.gahc.org or call (563) 322-8844 for more information.

INTERACTIVE: Listen to audio clip samples of some of the songs:
Du, du liegst mir im Herzen ("You, you are in my heart"): http://www.stceliascorner.com/herzen.mid
Ach, du lieber Augustin ("O, my dear friend Augustin"): http://www.stceliascorner.com/augustin.mid

German language classes for beginners
Registration is now being accepted for the fall Beginning German Language Class.  The classes are held every Tuesday from September 1 through November 17, 2009 at 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center. The class is $75 for member and $90 for nonmembers. A manual must be also purchased for $20.

Advanced Genealogy Classes
Registration is now being accepted for the fall Advanced Genealogy Classes.  The class teaches participants about research tools and resources available to for researching their family histories. The class is designed for all heritage backgrounds, and are held every Wednesday from August 26 through October 7 - 6:30 p.m at the German American Heritage Center. The class is $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers.

German American Heritage Center's plans for the future
In October 2009, GAHC will have a re-grand opening where they will debut their newly expanded space to the community. The space will include a new large permanent exhibit, two traveling exhibit spaces, large program facilities, and an improved parking lot. The GAHC will create new programs based on the new permanent exhibit and two new temporary exhibit spaces. This exhibit is highly interactive, audiovisual and intergenerational.

-END-

DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 12, 2009) The German American Heritage Center (GAHC) launched their new website at www.gahc.org. The website has several interactive features including photo galleries, videos, and RSS feeds. Visitors can also become a fan on GAHC's new Facebook page, subscribe to their new youtube page, or sign up to receive a free enewsletters.

GAHC continues to offer several programs and events, including the upcoming Brewery Ephemera Exhibit, opening July 6 and Volksmarch on July 18. Over the past year, major construction and renovations are occurring inside GAHC.

GAHC Behind the Scenes on the website
By October 1, the interior exhibit space will have increased about six times to accommodate a new large interactive and audiovisual permanent exhibit. Over the course of the summer, GAHC will post behind the scenes photos and videos on the website as they build the new exhibit spaces. The exhibit will includes an orientation theater, six education stations, and two restored hotel rooms.  Two additional new temporary exhibit spaces have also been created and will open the door for new collaborative exhibits in conjunction with the new permanent exhibit.

The exhibit progresses through experiences from immigrants' journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the GAHC, originally a hotel, which welcomed thousands of immigrants in the 1860s to the 1900s. The second half of the exhibit shows contributions to the region by immigrants, and highlights daily life, from recreation, family life, religion and organizations. The expansive exhibit will allow GAHC to develop new tours, increase family offerings and create new school group programs.

Finally, the top floor, which boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River, has also been completely renovated. The floor includes state of the art audio-visual equipment so that it may be used for GAHC's programs as well as meeting space open for community groups.

To learn more, visit www.gahc.org.

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The Figge Art Museum is hosting a Free Family Day, "Woven Stories," this Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 12:30 - 3 pm. Admission is free. Children will enjoy art activities, including working with their own mini-looms, paper weaving, and creating their own family portraits. Families can also enjoy the Figge's Family Activity center. Free treats and drinks will also be served. 

 

At 1 pm, Rowen Schussheim-Anderson will give a tapestry weaving demonstration and talk. This event is in conjunction with Figge's Mother  & Child: Henry Moore's West Dean Tapestries exhibition.

The Figge is located at 225 West Second Street, Davenport, Iowa.  For more information contact the Figge at 563-326-7804.

ImageMOLINE, Ill. (January 16, 2008) The "Birds of America" Bien edition (1860) by John James Audubon which belonged to John Deere's son, Charles Deere was recently conserved and re-framed. 48 of the 98 prints in this collection will be on major exhibit at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa from February 2 to May 11, 2008. It is believed that less than fifty copies of this edition exist today. This is a rare opportunity to see a large number of these popular elephant folio (approximately 3' x 2' in size) prints. Click our exhibit portal image below to learn more, watch videos, and view a sneak peak photo gallery. Sneak peak at exhibit on the web Visit the interactive "Birds of America: John James Audubon" exhibit website at www.butterworthcenter.com/birds, where you can view a photo gallery, events, watch bird call videos, and listen to a podcast about the local story behind the collection.

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