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Get ready to celebrate German-American Heritage Month throughout the entire month of October! This annual observance highlights and celebrates the contributions of German-Americans to American culture, society, and history. Did you know that German is the most commonly reported ancestry in the United States? That's right! Over 44 million Americans claim German heritage, making it a significant part of our country's diversity. From delicious food like bratwurst and schnitzel, to traditions like Oktoberfest, there are plenty of ways to honor and embrace this rich cultural heritage during this special month. Prost to that!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1683</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First German Settlement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thirteen German families founded Germantown, Philadelphia, establishing one of the first major German settlements in North America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>German Immigration Wave</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 19th century saw a significant wave of German immigrants to the US due to social, political and economic conditions in Germany.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Steuben Parade</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first German-American Steuben Parade, an annual celebration of German-American culture and heritage, took place in New York City.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>German-American Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan declares October 6 as German-American Day to celebrate the 300th anniversary of German immigration to America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First German-American Heritage Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress and President Bill Clinton declare October as German-American Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of German-Americans to American life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Opening of Heritage Foundation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The German-American Heritage Museum is opened in Washington, D.C., as the first museum devoted solely to German-American history and cultural traditions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a German-American festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns host festivals during German-American Heritage Month to celebrate the culture and traditions of German-Americans. Attend one and enjoy traditional food, music, and activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore your family history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this month as an opportunity to research your family's German roots. Visit your local library or genealogy center to learn more about your ancestors and their journey to America.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook traditional German dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate German-American Heritage Month by cooking and enjoying traditional German dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, and apple strudel. You can even invite friends and family over for a German-themed dinner party.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about German history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read about the history and culture of Germany. Visit a museum or attend a lecture to learn more about the contributions of German-Americans to American society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a German film or TV show</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your cultural knowledge by watching a German film or TV show. You can also attend a screening of a German film at a local theater or film festival.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the contributions of German-Americans to US society</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>German-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the impact that German immigrants have had on American culture, economy, and society. From famous figures like Albert Einstein and Levi Strauss to everyday citizens who have made important contributions in various fields, this month shines a light on the valuable legacy of German immigration to the US.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural understanding and diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating German-American heritage, we can learn more about the customs, traditions, and history of Germany and how it has influenced American culture. This helps promote diversity and understanding between different cultures, which is especially important in our increasingly globalized world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters pride and connection for those with German roots</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For those with German ancestry, German-American Heritage Month can be a time to connect with their roots, celebrate their heritage, and feel a sense of pride in their cultural identity. It can also provide opportunities for these individuals to share and pass down their family traditions and history to future generations.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-wrapper'><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>German-Americans were key founders of major U.S. companies</h3><p class='facts-content'>From iconic brands like Levi Strauss & Co. and Heinz to car manufacturer Chrysler, German-Americans left a lasting footprint by founding some of the largest and most renowned companies in America.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Pennsylvania Dutch are not Dutch</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the misleading name, the Pennsylvania Dutch, known for their distinctive dialect and traditional lifestyle, are in fact of German descent. The term 'Dutch' was derived from the German word for German, "Deutsch".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The first Kindergarten in America was established by a German-American</h3><p class='facts-content'>Margarethe Schurz, wife of the well-known German-American statesman Carl Schurz, opened the first Kindergarten in Watertown, Wisconsin in 1856. Kindergarten, which means "children's garden" in German, was an educational concept that originated in Germany.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>German-Americans were the largest ethnic group to participate in the Union Army during the Civil War</h3><p class='facts-content'>An estimated 200,000 German-Americans served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, constituting a sizeable portion of the troops and playing a crucial role in shaping the course of American history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many Christmas traditions celebrated across America originate from Germany. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees, in particular, was brought over by German settlers and gained widespread popularity in the 19th century.</p></div></div></div>
German-American Heritage Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 German-American Heritage Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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