DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 18, 2010) Registrations are now being accepted for several new offerings at the German American Heritage Center & Museum in Davenport, Iowa. Staring this March, the museum will offer a 12-week German language classes, both for beginners and advanced learners. The cost is only $75 for members and $95 for nonmembers; and $20 for the language manual. The course begins March 23 and runs through June 15, meeting Tuesdays. German Level I meets from 5 - 6:30 p.m. and German Level II meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
The museum is also offering an in depth 4-week Scherenschnitte:German Art of Paper Cutting Workshop in May. The workshop meets every Saturday from 2 - 4 p.m. starting May 1 and ending May 22. This class is perfect for any experience level. The cost is $40 for museum members or $55 for nonmembers. The workshop supply cost is $10. Germans settling in Pennsylvania created paper cuttings which were used for marriage and birth certificates, Christmas ornaments, home decoration, or simply for the joy of creating art. Many other groups have cutting styles unique to their regions: Jewish, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Mexican and Japanese paper cutting. The workshop will be conducted by Cynthia Deitch who has been paper cutting for several years.
Also, the museum is hosting a bus trip and tour to historic Kalona, Iowa on Monday, May 3 1800's when you visit the Historical Village with its 13 authentically restored buildings. As you leave behind the stress of today's world, expect to be refreshed and invigorated with many insights into the deeply abiding family values, work and unpretentious lifestyles. Throughout the day the group will travel the scenic back-roads and experience Amish way of life. Participants will explore Kalona Historic Village and Quilt & Textile Museum and enjoy a visit to the bakery, shops and general store. During the trip, participants will also have an opportunity to watch a live horse auction as well. Also view some magnificent, hand-stitched Amish quilts and watch demonstrations such as noodle making and cheese making, and traditional crafts including woodworking. 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. To reserve your spot for the trip, call 563-322-8844 before April 26.
Additional bus trips are planned throughout the year including a trip to German Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 24, a trip to Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin on October 16, and a trip to the Christmas Market in Chicago, Illinois in December.
Several additional programs and events are also scheduled for the spring and are free to museum members or free with paid admission. The programs and events can be viewed at www.gahc.org. The German American Heritage Center & Museum is located at 712 West 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa.
The Mission of the German American Heritage Center & Museum is to preserve and enrich for present and future generations knowledge of the German immigrant experience and its impact on the American Culture. The museum also focuses on cultural programs and immigrant contributions and partnerships with other heritage groups. They seek to reach out to other cultural groups and demonstrate the contributions immigrants from many countries and from varied backgrounds have made to the ethnic palette which is the United States.
