Our neighbors, our friends

“Our neighbors, Our Friends: Unsere Nachbarn, Unsere Freunde,” an exhibit at the German American Heritage Center & Museum, in partnership with Tapestry Farms, is now open.

The address for the center is 712 W. Second Street, Davenport.

Tapestry Farms grows food on a lot a short distance away from the center, at the corner of Third and Brown streets, just west of downtown Davenport. The hope is that eventually, this corner will become the headquarters of Tapestry Farms, with offices, an apartment for temporary housing for refugees, and a shop for farm operations.

“When the German American Heritage Center and Museum first learned of our neighbors, Tapestry Farms, we knew there were interesting connections to explore. Tapestry Farms does great work in the community that was once home to many German immigrants generations ago. Today our neighborhood is home to immigrants and refugees from around the globe,” said Kelly Lao, executive director of the German American Heritage Center & Museum.

“But what brings us together beyond our zip code? The idea of people bringing their skills, culture, knowledge, and ability and sharing it in a new home,” Kelly said. The center’s focus is cultural programs and immigrant contributions. They seek to reach out to other cultural groups and demonstrate the contributions made by immigrants from many countries and from varied backgrounds to the ethnic palette which is the United States.

“German immigrants in the 1800s brought their music and culture to Iowa, but their abilities in farming and agriculture brought them the ability to support their families and grow our community,” she said. “The same can be said for immigrants and refugees working with Tapestry Farms who have found a home in the QC today. Tapestry Farms helps new families to our area grow not only food, but their connections, community, and sustainable avenues of support. We hope this exhibit can help highlight the good work of our neighbors and friends, Tapestry Farms, and help visitors connect the stories and experiences of their ancestors and relatives to those of our new friends.”

Working with center staff to create the exhibit has been a thoughtful and joyful experience, said Ann McGlynn, executive director of Tapestry Farms.

“Their care, inquisitiveness, patience, and creativity in building this exhibit has shown us the best of what can be in a partnership between two organizations,” she said. “We are thankful to be able to share some of the stories of the people of Tapestry Farms, in this case people who are refugees from east and central Africa. We are eager for people to come and explore the skills, talents, and hopes that newcomers bring to the Quad Cities.”