German-Texan Heritage Society
| Type | Nonprofit |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | German Free School |
| Location |
|
| Publication | The GTHS Journal |
| Website | www |
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Education[edit]
The German-Texan Heritage Society offers German language instruction for children and adults.
German International School of Texas[edit]
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[edit]
The German-Texan Heritage Society has offered German courses for children on Saturdays since 1995 and has since expanded to San Antonio.[6]
Events[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ a b "German-Texan Heritage Society". Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Mason, Berit. "German-Texan Heritage Societies". Goethe Institut. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "Building & History". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Board & Staff". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "German Texans Heritage Society". KidsOutandAbout.com. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Samstagsschule". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Brown, Lauren. "Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin". AustinTexas.org. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "28th Annual Maifest – German Texan Beer & Wine Festival". Austin Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "German-Texan Annual Christmas Marke". Do512. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Library Catalog & Services". German-Texan Heritage Society. Retrieved 28 May 2024.