German-Texan Heritage Society

Last updated
German-Texan Heritage Society
Type Nonprofit
Headquarters German Free School
Location
PublicationThe GTHS Journal
Website www.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]

Contents

History

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

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

Education

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

German International School of Texas

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

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

Events

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

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]

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References

  1. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 "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.