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Davenport School Museum Bell Logo

Davenport School Museum

History of the Museum

The beginnings of this museum started in 1960 with Superintendent Anthony Marinaccio urging Mary A Baker and some other fellow retirees to form an association to include the preservation of school history and changes. This was the start of what is now DARSPA.

Mary was born in North Dakota. Her family re-located on a farm in north Davenport. She began her teaching career in the Davenport Schools after graduating in 1913, and taught 42 years in the district. She began collecting artifacts for a museum and storing them in her attic. Fifteen years later, plans began to establish a school district museum with the support of Superintendent Lee Grebner and the school board. No permanent location for the museum was found and the collections were passed from place to place. The museum found its permanent home in 2002 at 1606 North Brady Street. (It is now located at 1702 N. Main St.) Another person responsible for the museum was Robert McCue. He was a teacher and a principal. After retirement, Bob remained active in education. He served on the school board and other community organizations. His involvement with DARSPA led him in becoming very active in the Davenport School Museum .

The museum is run by a dedicated staff of board members. DARSPA changed some of the By-Laws, and in March voted to reduce the board members beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. There are many loyal volunteers dedicating countless hours to the museum. Two of the first volunteers, Jim and Maureen Schebler set up the monthly museum displays at our DARSPA meetings so all members could enjoy a little piece of local history. Today, museum hours are Monday from 9- 11 AM Thursday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and Friday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Research, tours, and lectures can be arranged by calling 563-336-7540. You also can drop by Monday through Friday from 8-5 and peruse through the exhibits and displays in the halls of the administration building after obtaining a visitor’s pass. Genealogists are frequent visitors, and many call with questions. Admission is free and the museum is handicapped accessible. This summer the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau is sponsoring a museum week, June 5 through June 12, 2023. Davenport Schools Museum is participating in this event. If you enjoy history, museums, or just awonderful walk down memory lane, please check it out.

History of the Education in Davenport

The history of Davenport, its people, and its schools is one of hard work, determination, and educational excellence. Antoine LeClaire, founder of our city, played a key role in the exploration of the Mississippi River region in the early 1800s.  From 1874 to 1878, Phebe W. Sudlow served Davenport as the first female public school superintendent in the United States.  During the Great Depression, our community did not sit idly by to passively weather the economic woes; we instead rallied around our public schools and built six beautiful new facilities for our students.

This industrious spirit is still found in our students, educators, and community at present day.  Nearly 16,000 students attend the Davenport Community Schools, one of the largest school districts in Iowa ‒ a state that is well-known for its excellent educational programming.  Among these students, nearly 1,000 receive their high school diplomas every year.  Each of our graduates is fully prepared to become our future engineers, teachers, and artists. They, together with our teachers, involved parents, agency and business partners, volunteers, and caring citizens, make Davenport Community Schools a district of distinction.

Explore The Davenport School Museum
The Davenport School Museum serves as a resource for learning and preservation of the history of Davenport Community Schools through the acquisition of historically and culturally significant objects and records.
What People Are Saying About Us...
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"Thank you to all the Adams teachers and staff! We miss you greatly and so do the kids! For all the teachers sticking their neck out and going that extra mile…you are AWESOME!  - Glenda Wingler"
- Glenda Wingler - Adams
"Great students, Great staff, Great success. Sudlow Tigers: We're Grrrrrreat!"
- Alex Lenstra, Language Arts
"We call ourselves the Washington Family for a reason! This staff is incredibly dedicated to doing what’s right for students, families, and each other. When you walk into the building you can feel the positive vibes. It’s such a honor to be a member of this community."
- Laura Guttmann, 2nd Grade
"This is such a well-deserved recognition; Chrissy Willis goes above and beyond every day for our students and staff at Truman! She works long hours for Truman at school and at home thinking of ways to help our students and staff be the best we all can be. Thank you, Chrissy! We love you!  - Terri Bush Smith"
- Terri Bush Smith - Truman
"Sudlow gave my daughters a solid, well-rounded, rigorous education that helped them prepare for their high school / collegiate studies."
- Molly Klag, Parent of former students, current Foreign Language Teacher
"Thank you for the recognition of Davenport West. This was a great opportunity for the engineering department to have one student and teacher travel to Kenya to gather data for the water filtration project that they’ve been working on with Fishers of Men Ministries.  - Jennifer Meyer O’Neil"
- Jennifer Meyer O’Neil - West
"My niece is a Hayes student and I have been very impressed with the staff at Hayes during this time. From Mr. Goddard doing the daily announcements to Ms. Tidwell reading books to the students, to quick responses from teachers on the Google classroom, to all of the third grade teachers having two weekly..."
- Katie Jo Sloan - Hayes
"In our family’s situation, Stepping Stones is a cost-effective way for us to get additional education for our child and child care while I work."
- Parent of a Stepping Stones child (2)
"We have had a student already go through Sudlow, one that is currently at Sudlow and a future Sudlow student and our family has had such positive experiences.  Our kids have gotten to experience a variety of activities.  They have felt supported by staff and enjoyed the new friendships they have made. ..."
- Melissa Simatovich, Parent
"The thing that stands out about Central the most in my eyes is the amazing staff we had. I feel like all the teachers I had genuinely cared about me and my success. I think without these teachers I would not be who I am today.  Valentine Chenus Class of 2020"
- Valentine Chenus - Central
"When I pick up my child from Stepping Stones, my child is happy and in a good mood, so transitioning to the rest of our evening is easy."
- Parent of a Stepping Stones child
"Thank you to all nurses, you are a blessing to our students! Special shoutout to those who are in a Pick a Better Snack building for your support! - Kathy Bierl"
- Kathy Bierl Nurses - District
"Central is a prime example of don't judge a book by its cover. It appears large and occupies a number of people, but has various opportunities for students. Staff members and teacher's make it their number one duty to protect all students alongside educating them with maximum knowledge. You can make lifelong..."
- Monifah Ponton - Central
"Central High School is an amazing place to teach and learn. Every year I am amazed by what our students, teachers, staff and community can accomplish together. Being a Blue Devil means being a part of a 100+ year legacy of pride and excellence. Cari Johnson, NBCT Social Studies Teacher National Honor..."
- Cari Johnson, NBCT - Central
"Thank you SO MUCH to the food workers! You’re keeping my children and many others in my neighborhood fed and happy! You do great work and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you sooo much!"
- Food Workers - District
"Great Tiger Team!"
- Jen Hunter, Health Teacher
"Washington Elementary is an absolute gem. Our three children have thrived under the care of compassionate, kind, and highly gifted educators. Students at Washington have access to great opportunities and feel at home in the caring environment that the staff works so hard to create. We are grateful to be a..."
- Jake & Leslie Klipsch, Parents
"Thank you for always promoting our positive school district happenings! Go blue! - Nicki Brus"
- Nicki Brus - Central
"A group of CTE students toured Ryerson in Eldridge, Iowa and received this compliment, “This group of students was the most engaged and well behaved out of all high school and college student groups that have toured prior. Everyone in this group seemed engaged, they followed safety directions, they asked..."
- Ryerson - District
"Washington Elementary is Home. The staff and students alike are amazing! The staff is a family and our students are "our" students. We take pride in our work and being advocates for our students. I feel very blessed to be a Washington Hawk!"
- Nichole Schmidt, Teacher Innovator
"I want to thank you for celebrating the wonderful moments and accomplishments happening every day in our schools.  - Chryss Hartman"
- Chryss Hartman - All
"When my 4th grader started school I was so nervous about not only Kindergarten but also public school. From day 1 we have had an incredible experience. The staff at Washington are like family, most have been there for quite some time and it shows. They all work together to make the best experience for our..."
- Karrie Heaton, Parent
"I enjoy so much seeing the positive things going on in DCSD.  - Nancy Stone    "
- Nancy Stone - ALL
Academics | The Arts | Athletics
For Every Child

The Davenport School Museum serves as a resource for learning and preservation of the history of Davenport Community Schools through the acquisition of historically and culturally significant objects and records.

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Continuing A Tradition Of Excellence

Continuing A Tradition Of Excellence

At the Davenport Community School District, we are:

• Dedicated to Educational Excellence • Ensuring the Safety and Security of all students • Committed to Future-Focused vision and action • Fostering a Diverse Culture through education, programs and staff • Providing a Wholistic Education for EVERY CHILD • Cultivating a Caring and Inclusive learning environment • Committed to Our Community through listening and learning, transparent communication, and providing and excellent education for EVERY CHILD.

Scholarships Awarded to Our Students:

An Inside Look at the History of the Museum

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