German-American Heritage Museum of the USA facts for kids
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| Established | March 2010 |
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| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Public transit access |  Gallery Place-Chinatown |
The German-American Heritage Museum of the USA, also known as GAHM, is a special place in Washington D.C.. It is located in a building called Hockemeyer Hall, in an area known as Penn Quarter. This museum tells the amazing 400-year story of Germans who came to live in the United States of America.
The GAHM is supported by many groups from both Germany and America. It is also the main office for the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA. This foundation works to share the history and culture of German Americans with everyone.
Discovering the Past: The Museum's History
The German-American Heritage Museum helps us understand how German people have helped shape America. It shows their journey from the 1600s all the way to today.
The Story of Hockemeyer Hall
The museum is inside a historic building called Hockemeyer Hall. This building has its own interesting story! It was built by a German man named John Hockemeyer. He moved to the United States from Germany.
After the American Civil War, John Hockemeyer became a very successful businessman. He was also an important leader in the German community in Washington D.C.. In 1888, he built this beautiful house. It was a Victorian-style home, which means it had a fancy, detailed design popular back then.
Hockemeyer Hall quickly became a busy spot for German-American businesses. It was also a place where many German clubs and groups would meet. John Hockemeyer himself was a member of some of these groups.
Many years later, in October 2008, the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA bought this historic building. They wanted to turn it into the museum we know today. The museum officially opened its doors in March 2010.
