History

The Vikings—they emerged in the North as a terrifying new threat to impact upon the peace and prosperity of 8th century Europe. But what was the motive behind their raids: a lust for violence, poverty or even wealth? By Alevtina Altenhof   Long a... Read More...

Sea air, a rich and storied history and the unique and beautiful architecture of this Hanseatic city make it a true German treasure. By Leah Larkin Wismar is often used by filmmakers. It’s no surprise. When walking through this picturesque town it seems ... Read More...

Many did not know where they were or why they were fighting and propaganda demonized them as German savages in America. By Robert A. Selig The Hessians brought the Christmas tree to the United States. That is about the only positive connotation in the mi... Read More...

Preserving an identity in light of the horrors of WWII through education and a vow to never forget. By Daniel S. Hamilton “The coolest language school in the world.” That’s how Germany’s popular television show Galileo describes Waldsee, the oldest and l... Read More...

Explore the land of crusader kings, Catholic defiance, gold and silver. By Peter Vogt It was 29 September of the year 1168, and much of the small southwest German town of Gmünd (named for the confluence of the Rems with tributary streams) lined the muddy... Read More...

Looking back at the man who contemplated the root causes of poverty and how class struggle shapes societies. By Robert A. Selig Social historians often characterize the 18th century as the age of poor people, beggars and petty criminals, nevertheless, th... Read More...

Colorful trachten, flag throwing, alpenhorns and choirs converge to celebrate in “America’s Little Switzerland.” By Don Heimburger It’s a day Swiss-Americans look forward to all year. It’s always a day of food, fun, singing and dancing, and also a solemn... Read More...

By Mark Jahne Photographs courtesy Mark Jahne The Hartford (Connecticut) Sängerbund is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year, highlighted by a concert and dinner scheduled for Saturday, June 9. Singers past and present will perform at 4 p.m. at the S... Read More...

One man’s knowledge and desire helped the United States open a doorway to space. By Peter Vogt   The rise of Nazi Germany and its subsequent defeat caused two different German brain drains, the first one in the early 1930s and the second soon aft... Read More...

Remembering the man who witnessed famine and suffering and established a banking system to serve the working class. By Robert A. Selig     In May of 1817, one year before Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen was born, Carl Bames of Reutlingen jus... Read More...