Quad Citizens Behind the Businesses: Nathaniel Kraft

In the summer of 2017, a dedicated group of Bix fans and historians saw their vision come to life with the opening of the Bix Museum. The most comprehensive history and collection of artifacts of Davenport native Bix Beiderbecke have been preserved and are on display here. The museum is tucked under the historic River Music Experience building. Director, Nathaniel Kraft says the decision to open the museum in Bix’s hometown of Davenport, Iowa was so that the Bix legacy lives on in the Quad Cities for generations to come.

Best known for:
The museum honors the life and music of Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke (1903-1931) — the legendary Davenport native, cornetist and pianist — and features many original artifacts related to Beiderbecke and his colleagues. The museum also houses the largest known archive of research and materials relating to Bix's life.

What do they love most about being downtown?

The Quad City's rich music history started downtown in Davenport and still thrives today with the weekly live music offerings throughout the area whether they are large music festivals or local bands playing at the stages in many of the downtown businesses. The museum loves being a part of that culture.

What is the best way you can support this business?
The museum is offering a "virtual" experience on their website for those who cannot see the museum in person and is offering private small group/individual tours to the public.

As a non-profit and free museum for the public, the best way to support is by sending donations to:

Bix Beiderbecke Museum & World Archives

PO Box 3052, Davenport IA 52808
#WelcomeToDowntownDavenport #DowntownFrontPorchProject #QuadCitizensBehindTheBusinesses

About the Downtown Front Porch Project:

The Downtown Front Porch project is a way to get to know the humans behind the businesses in downtown Davenport. Featuring more than 40 organizations, the images and stories that will be shared are reflective of the energy, passion and resilience of the people that make downtown tick.

“As we all try to navigate a global pandemic, finding ways to connect with our neighbors is more important than ever,” stated Kyle Carter, Executive Director of DDP. “With a year of cancelled events and less foot traffic on the streets, it’s critical that we spend our dollars locally to support the people in our own community. Small, locally-owned businesses are at the center of what makes downtown a special place. This campaign is an opportunity to show the faces of hard-working Quad Citizens and ways the community can rally to support them.”

The goal of the Downtown Front Porch project is to remind people that downtown is vibrant, welcoming and open for business.