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The Erick Kurz Memorial Award
For Outstanding Achievement in German-American Studies,
Steuben Society of America
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Interested in becoming a member of the Steuben Society?
We are always looking for new members.
Please complete the application form. (PDF)
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The Steuben Society of America, which was founded in 1919, has established the Erick Kurz Memorial Award for the purpose of recognizing and rewarding students, who have made outstanding achievements in the field of German-American Studies. The Award is named in honor of Erick Kurz, past Chairman of the John Peter Zenger Unit of the Steuben Society of America and Vice Chairman of the Society’s National Council. Annual recipients of the Award will receive an honorary certificate with an award of $1,000. Applications or self-nominations for 2009 should be accompanied with a letter of recommendation from the student's academic advisor, and describe the achievements of the nominee. The award nomination may be based on a report, lecture, project, thesis, or dissertation of the student. Nominations may also be based on community service to an institution, organization, or historical site relating to German-American history. Nominations and recommendations should be sent to the Education Committee of the National Council of the Steuben Society of America via e-mail to Steubensociety@aol.com Nominations will close on March 31, 2010. |
Greetings From The National Chairman
 Welcome to the official website of the Steuben Society of America.
For those of you who are not familiar with our organization, here is some basic information about us. The Steuben Society of America was founded in May of 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War, by patriotic Americans of German descent. Our mission from the inception of our organization to the present day has remained essentially unchanged. Our goals are to foster good citizenship in the German-American community, to educate the public as to the positive role our ethnic group has always played in American society, and to preserve a sense of ethnic pride amongst German-Americans.
Monument of Von Steuben at Monmouth Park, NJ. Dedicated May 2004 by Paul Bette with the Molly Pitcher and Peter Muehlenberg Units,
 Photo by C. Zorn-Scott
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By no means was it an accident that our founders chose to name our organization after one of the greatest German-Americans. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben epitomizes all the virtues our society holds most dear. The baron dedicated his life to public service. Von Steuben was recruited to the cause of American Liberty by Benjamin Franklin who persuaded the baron to offer his services, without compensation, to the Continental Congress. The baron, a Prussian officer by training, was given the rank of Major General in the Continental Army and distinguished himself as our country’s first effective Inspector General. He trained the troops through the brutal winter at Valley Forge where he converted a loosely assembled hodgepodge of untrained militia into a fighting force capable of standing toe to toe with the mighty British Army. General Washington credited the training and discipline that von Steuben brought to the Continental Army as being indispensable to America’s victory in the Revolutionary War. After the war, von Steuben, unlike other foreign generals who fought on our side, remained in America and became a citizen. The baron’s commitment to public service did not end upon his retirement from the Army. He was a founding member of the Order of Cincinnati, our country’s first veteran aid organization. He was also a charter member of the New York State Board of Regents.
The baron’s commitment to public service and to education has served as a template for the Steuben Society itself. Today we promote civic awareness and ethnic pride via numerous scholarship programs at both the local level and national level. We also support the teaching of German in schools and the promotion of the field of German-American Studies. One of our proudest moments occurred in May of 2004, when the Steuben Society, in partnership with the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, unveiled a statue of Baron von Steuben at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park in New Jersey.
If you are an American citizen of voting age who descends from at least one ancestor whose native tongue was German, I encourage you to consider joining us. Also, all donations made to the National Council are tax deductible. Your financial support of our programs would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to call our Executive Office at 631.730.5111 if you would like more information.
Governor Charlie Crist declares October to be German American Month in Florida |
Very truly yours,
Randall J. Ratje
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The National Council's Education Committee announces the availability of the annual Annual Steuben Society of America Student Award for Outstanding Achievement in German-American Studies.
For many years, we presented this award to graduates at the University of Cincinnati, now we are opening up the competition...details
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GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY, 2009
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
 Comprising the Nation's largest ancestry group, German Americans have contributed to our collective identity since the first settlements were founded in the 17th century. Essential to the growth of America, these farmers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and patriots gave their strength, determination, and in some circumstances, their lives, so we all may experience a brighter
tomorrow. It is in this spirit that German Americans continue to enrich our national character, sharing their proud heritage with new generations from every background. Today, we celebrate
German Americans for their remarkable role in our Nation's development.
Our citizens of German descent excel in every discipline and open our minds to the expanses of human possibility. When we drive across a suspension bridge, listen to music played on a Steinway piano, or send a child to kindergarten, their unique traditions and customs surround us. German Americans have influenced our Nation in myriad ways with their industry, culture, and engagement in public life.
Germany and its people have also been active participants in our Nation's history. This year, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. These milestones reinforce the German people's dedication to democratic
ideals, and we honor the bonds that tie our two nations together.
America is a stronger Nation because of those families who have established longstanding roots in our country, as well as by those who have recently emigrated from abroad. German immigrants, inhabiting every major city, have given much of themselves throughout our history, selflessly expanding the reach of the American Dream. On this day, we celebrate and honor the past, present, and future contributions of German Americans to the rich and textured story of America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2009, as German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of German Americans and to commemorate the many contributions they have made to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
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