METAIRIE, LA – The history of German culture in New Orleans is closely linked with Jewish traditions and history, and the founders of the Deutsches Haus in the early 20th century included numerous Jewish immigrants.
Local researcher and preservationist David Hammer will offer a free lecture on these original Deutsches Haus members and the importance of Jewish-German history and culture on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at the Haus, 1023 Ridgewood Dr., in Metairie, LA, at 6:00 p.m.
Traditional German food and beer will be available for purchase.
Using documents from the Deutsches Haus collection located within the Historic New Orleans Collection, Hammer will discuss what is known – and unknown – about these important local figures.
Hammer, who holds degrees in German Literature and Historical Preservation, is deputy director of the Historic New Orleans Collection, and is the creator of an online portal that catalogues these remnants of history.
"We're thrilled to have someone of Mr. Hammer's experience and knowledge to bring this lecture to Deutsches Haus members and to the general public," said Rose Mancini, who is coordinating the event. "Since 1928, the Haus has worked to preserve German culture and heritage in New Orleans, and such thorough studies of our founders are vital to carrying on that mission."
The mission of the Deutsches Haus is to preserve and foster Germanic heritage and culture throughout the Gulf South.
