German-Texan Heritage Society Explained

German-Texan Heritage Society
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Type:Nonprofit
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Headquarters:German Free School
Location City:Austin, Texas
Location Country:United States
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Publication:The GTHS Journal
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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

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.

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.

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]

Notes and References

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