Sunday, August 14, 2011   2:00 p.m.
German   American   Heritage   Center
712 West 2nd Street  Davenport  IA   52802

The   German   American   Heritage   Center   presents local educator Bruce Bufe in the first of a series on personal family immigration histories called "My German Story."  This program features the life and times of Franz Gustav Bufe, a German immigrant cigar maker in   Moline   in the l880's.  He was also an artist, a poet, and a keen social critic of his time.  Come experience his poems in translation and explore the themes and views of a common man with an uncommon talent for self-expression. This program is re-scheduled from a spring emergency cancellation. 

Members free; public welcome with $5.00 admission; includes museum exhibits.

The exhibit "Iowa in the Civil War: The German Element" is available through August 7. A companion FREE traveling exhibit from the Iowa State Historical Society in the GAHC parking lot features "The Fiery Trial: Iowa in the Civil War." Visitors can see why Iowa entered the war, the impact of war on the state of Iowa, the work of Annie Wittenmyer as she cared for the wounded and orphaned, and efforts in Iowa to improve civil rights for all after the war.

A special touchscreen feature allows Iowans to search for their Union army ancestors in the Civil War by name and county.

A special $10 family ticket for all inside exhibits is available during the "Fiery Trial" run from July 28 through August 7. Other tickets are Adults $5, Seniors $4 and children $3.

Special hours for the civil war features are July 28 - August 7 from 10:00 through 7:00 EXCEPT July 28 10:00 - 4:00; July 31 noon to 6:00 and August 7, noon to 4:00.

Information available at www.gahc.org OR (563) 322-8844 or info@gahc.org

 

The German American Heritage Center will host a program entitled "Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin" at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 24 at the Center. 712 West 2nd Street. Davenport. IA

"Count Ferninand von Zeppelin and His Airships" will be presented by Werner Zarnikow. Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1017) first came to the United States in 1863, sent as a war observer of the Northern armies by the King of Baden. He received a permit to pass into the battlefields by President Lincoln after being recommended by then General Carl Schurz. In a few months he was to leave the war zone, explore the American frontier and experience his first balloon. Up, up and away to a new career and a new world. The presentation will also feature a popular song from Zeppelin's peak career years "Come Take a Trip in My Airship" sung by Barbara Kuttler and accompanied by Mark Prebyl on the vintage German piano.

Werner Zarnikow is a GAHC member and a frequent volunteer in our archives, where he provides language translation assistance. He has been fascinated by Zeppelin's career since the latter's flight over Davenport when Zarnikow was a young lad. His collection of Zeppelin's memorabilia will be on display on the 4th floor of GAHC during July.

Cost: Adults $5.00; Seniors $4.00; Children 5-17 $3.00; Children under 5 and GAHC Members are free.

"Foreign Events and Views that impacted the American Civil War" will be presented by Dr. Art Pitz, professor emeritus of Blackhawk College, at the German American Heritage Center and Museum on Sunday July, 10 at 2:00.The presentation will feature a review of views and events outside the United States which impacted how foreign powers analyzed the conflict. Topics include the Corn laws in England, famine in Ireland, the 1848 revolutions in Europe reforms in Egypt in the mid 1800's and immigration patterns from abroad. How did they influence thought prior to the outbreak of American hostilities?

Dr Pitz is a much requested speaker on historical topics and foreign affairs in the Quad City region.

Cost: Adults $5.00. Adults over 60 $4.00, Children 5-17 $3.00, DAHC members free.

"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 info@gahc.org.

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

Admission Price:
Adults - $5.00
Seniors - $4.00
Children 5-17 - $3.00
GAHC Members - Free
Welcome to the wonderful world of PEZ candy figures! Please join us till the end of June and visit an array of these flavorful friends on the 4th floor of the German American Heritage Center.

Please join us on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. for a family-friendly program on PEZ candy figures presented by local educator Emily Jackson. She will explain the history of the PEZ Company, the development of the features on the PEZ dispensers and illustrate her presentation from her extensive collection of PEZ artifacts.

PEZ fans may know that the candy originated in Austria and is now sold around the world. Come learn the origin of the brand name PEZ and how its product has captured fans on many continents. You'll flip your lid over this program!

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

Admission Price:
Adults - $5.00
Seniors - $4.00
Children 5-17 - $3.00
GAHC Members - Free


The six German Organizations of the Quad Cities:

  • American Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society

  • German American Family Club

  • German American Heritage Center and Museum

  • German American National Congress

  • German American Pioneer Society

  • Schuetzen Park Guilde

will host their sixth annual Founders Day Celebration at the Walcott Cemetery, Walcott, Ia, on Saturday, May 28, from 9:45-11:00 AM.

The Master of Ceremonies will be former County Recorder Dick Hagen. The Walcott Legion Honor Guard will present the colors followed by Robyn Stender singing the National Anthem. Guest speakers will be State Representative Jeff Kaufmann and Gerald "Butch" Arp. Music will be performed by the ASHHS Choir and poetry read by Dick Stahl.

The area's German organizations invite all to help us pay tribute to those who came before us.

Please bring your own lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

For further information call (563) 943-2867.