More than 10 years ago member Dr. Jon Igelman, proposed rescuing a great number of forgotten letters, photographs and other memorabilia stored haphazardly in the Turn Verein's basement. He in turn inspired Hans Joachim Raschack, known today as the "Father of the Library," who followed up on the idea and sparked interest in Franz Bröcker, Alfred Cummings, Günther Laudi, Uli Pelz and others to assist him in cleaning, sorting and evaluating the forgotten remnants of the Turn Verein's past. It took three years to make even a dent in the stacks of stored materials. In the meantime, the Sacramento Turn Verein prepared and remodeled the old library room. Günther Laudi in particular was tireless in preserving and displaying the historical materials for future generations. In 2001 the "Library" became a section of the Sacramento Turn Verein, formally named the "German-American Cultural Center - Library." The Library organizes monthy programs to stimulate interest in its projects, and in 2002 launched a quarterly publication, Mitteilungen, which contributes to the section's goal to focus the community's attention on German culture, literature, language and history.

Officers of the German-American Cultural Center

President: Olaavi Solander
Vice President: Suzie Holtzman
Secretary: Hermann Schier
Treasurer: Gisela Parker
Publicity: Marianne Ek
Librarian: Uli Pelz
Programs: Senta Parker
Historian: Helga Hecht
Equipment: Franz Bröcker
Representative to STV: Shirley Riemer
Interclub Liason: Hank Stoffel

Business meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library. Visitors are welcome.

Important Links

STV German Language School

'Mitteilungen'- A quarterly publication of German cultural awareness and happenings at the Library
October 2009

Back Issues:
July 2007
October 2007
January 2008
April 2008
April 2009