German Society of Maryland

PURPOSE:
To preserve and promote the German heritage, language and traditions through educational, social, and benevolent programs; and to develop the unity and continuity of the German American community in the State of Maryland.

OFFICERS:

The GERMAN SOCIETY is one of the oldest institutions in America.  It was organized in 1793 to protect and assist German-speaking immigrants.  It received its charter from the Maryland legislature in 1818.  In the 1800’s it was the social service agency of the State of Maryland, which provided aid to German immigrants.  In the early 1900’s it persuaded Congress to enact national laws for the protection of immigrants.

The Society holds its annual meeting and casual dinner in April.  To encourage the study of German in Maryland high schools, the Society has been presenting cash awards to students who excel in the national German language proficiency examinations, in cooperation with the Maryland Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German. An awards ceremony is held in May. Each year in early November the Society holds its Anniversary Dinner.

The Society publishes a newsletter which informs members of upcoming events of the Society and events of other German American groups in Maryland and surrounding areas.   The German Society of Maryland encourages its members to participate in the activities of other German-American organizations locally and nationally.

Persons interested in learning about the Society may obtain information by visiting its website germansociety-md.com or emailing the Society’s president at  president.gsm@germansociety-md.com.