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German-Texan Heritage Society

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
German-Texan Heritage Society
TypeNonprofit
HeadquartersGerman Free School
Location
PublicationThe GTHS Journal
Websitewww.germantexans.org

The German-Texan Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Austin, Texas dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of German Texans and promoting German culture throughout the state.[1][2][3]

History

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The German-Texan Heritage Society was formed in 1978 by members of the annual Society for German-American Studies symposium. The organization moved into its current headquarters at the German Free School in downtown Austin in 1991.[3]

In 2010, the German-Texan Heritage Society was designated a Preserve America Steward by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.[1]

Leadership

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As of 2024, the German-Texan Heritage Society staff, a paid team which coordinates the organization's volunteer efforts, is helmed by executive director Christopher Markley. The society's board of directors is led by president Janis Gonser.[4]

Activities

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Education

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The German-Texan Heritage Society offers German language instruction for children and adults.

German International School of Texas

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In 2021, the society opened the German International School of Texas, a German language immersion school serving preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders.[5]

German Saturday School

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The German-Texan Heritage Society has offered German courses for children on Saturdays since 1995 and has since expanded to San Antonio.[6]

Events

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The German-Texan Heritage Society hosts yearly Maifest and Oktoberfest festivities as well as a Christmas market in Austin.[7][8][9] Additionally, the organization's annual meeting is held in a different Texas City each year.[3]

Library

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The society's headquarters at the German Free School is home to the Charles G. Trenckmann Family Library, which contains genealogy resources and other publications about German heritage in Texas.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b "German-Texan Heritage Society". Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  2. ^ Mason, Berit. "German-Texan Heritage Societies". Goethe Institut. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Building & History". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Board & Staff". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  5. ^ "German Texans Heritage Society". KidsOutandAbout.com. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Samstagsschule". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  7. ^ Brown, Lauren. "Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin". AustinTexas.org. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  8. ^ "28th Annual Maifest – German Texan Beer & Wine Festival". Austin Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  9. ^ "German-Texan Annual Christmas Marke". Do512. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Library Catalog & Services". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.