About Us

All are Willkommen!
The German American Heritage Center is a National Historic Site and museum that includes a large permanent exhibit and two rotating special exhibits. Within the exhibit, The German Immigrant Experience, visitors enjoy an orientation theater, six education stations, and two restored hotel rooms. Visitors engage in an interactive experience as they learn about immigrants’ journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the GAHC building, which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s.
The museum provides educational programs, workshops and classes relating to the German American experience and culture. We assist in the coordination of festivals to foster an understanding of German American heritage and provide for cultural exchange through language classes and production of cultural presentations to the public. We often partner with other heritage groups on programs, exhibits and events.
The GAHC building was built in the 1860s, and was originally the Miller's Hotel where thousands of German immigrants stayed in the 1800s when they arrived in the area.The building was purchased in 1995, partially restored in 1999, and fully opened to the public in 2009.
In addition to our museum we offer a gift shop full of handmade items from Germany and a rental facility for all of your special occasion and party needs!