Museums
Deutschheim State Historic Site
109 W 2nd St
573-486-2200
www.mostateparks.com/deutschheim.htm
Deutschheim captures the culture and heritage of the Germans who migrated to Missouri in the mid- to late-19th century through exhibits and galleries of changing artifacts and photographs. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Hours
April through October
Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November through March
Open Thursday through Sunday
Tours
10:00, 12:30 and 2:30
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Easter.
Houses Open for Tour
POMMER-GENTNER HOUSE—Built in 1840,the Pommer-Gentner House, is a sterling example of high-style German neoclassicism. The house is furnished to reflect the earlier settlement period. The property includes a period garden and small half-timbered barn with 19th-century tools.
STREHLY HOUSE—Built in stages from 1840 to 1869, the Strehly House once housed a German-language newspaper. In 1857 Carl Strehly built a winery next to the house that now displays one of the few remaining carved wine casks in the Midwest.
Historic Hermann's Museum at the Old German School
312 Schiller St
573-486-2017
www.historichermann.com
The arts and crafts of yesteryear are well preserved in Historic Hermann's newly renovated German School. Built in 1871, the building served as Hermann's elementary school until 1955. The town clock has been operating since 1890.
Hours
Open April through October.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday — 10 to 4 p.m.10:00
Sunday — noon to 4 p.m.
Closed Monday.
The museum also is open on festival weekends and the first two weekends in December during Kristkindl Markt.
Museum Rooms Open for Tour
HERITAGE ROOM—Handmade wooden grape crusher/wine press, wine bottles and a large variety of wine and beer labels all prior to Prohibition. A pre-Civil War weaving loom. An apple butter kettle and stir, Hermann shoe factory memorabilia. Display cases filled with early memorabilia and an arrowhead collection.
RIVER ROOM—Hermann was one of the busiest ports on the Missouri River. This room has an outstanding collection of photographs, data, instruments and boat models, plus, the original 7-foot pilot wheel and replica of the pilot house of the Pin Oak steamer, ca. 1888. More than 30 boats were built here and weekend excursions were regular family affairs.
KINDER ROOM—Depicts an early school classroom, historical kitchen and Victorian parlor. Dolls, toys and furniture, ca. late 1800s.
MUSIK ROOM—Collection of old musical instruments, early Hermann Band photos and uniforms. Formerly the Principal's office.
LEGACY ROOM—Story and statue of Hermann, Germany's first hero, who stopped the advancement of Rome. Beautiful needlework and clothes. Rare collection of handmade textile printing blocks. Antique quilts. Original handwritten 12 Apostles' Band music books.
ELS ROOM/TOOL ROOM—Hand-carved six-piece master bedroom set ca.1898 created by Louis Els. Many antique tools, a work bench and primitive furniture from the Friedrich Rohlfing family and a Schnitzelbank.
SCHWEIGHAUSER ROOM—Framed illustrations of Grimm's Fairy Tales, local redware pottery, an ornate church pump organ, Dresden pipes, immigrant trunk, a slave quilt and children's toys.
CLOCK TOWER GIFT SHOP—Unique souvenirs, gifts and books on early Hermann immigrant history, river boat history, German cooking and Hermann/Arminius, the man, and the battle that changed history.
Gasconade County Historical Society Archives & Records Center
315 Schiller St
(corner of Fourth and Schiller)
573-486-4028
www.gasconadecountyhistoricalsociety.com
Located in the former Farmers & Merchants Bank building across the street from the German School, the Archives Center houses a wealth of historical and genealogical information. Experienced volunteers are on hand to assist researchers.
Hours
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday
Gasconade County Courthouse
Dedicated on July 18, 1898, the Gasconade County Courthouse is the only courthouse in Missouri built entirely with private funds. Hermann resident Charles D. Eitzen, a self-made millionaire, willed $50,000 to Gasconade County for construction and furnishing of a new courthouse.
Rising magestically above the river, the courthouse today remains little changed from its original design. Murals by area artists depicting the history of Gasconade County were added as a part of a centennial celebration in 1998.
Hours
The courthouse is open to the public during normal business hours.
White House Hotel 1868
232 Wharf St
573-486-3200
www.whitehousehotel1868.com
The 36-room White House Hotel is a privately owned three-story brick building, built in 1868. Guided lantern tours featuring actors in period costume may be reserved for groups of 15 or more.
Hours
Hours of operation are seasonal, May through June and September through October.