The German-Texan Heritage Society (GTHS) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and preservation of the German cultural heritage in Texas. The society was founded in 1978 by a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the German families that immigrated to Texas since the 1830s. We focus our energy in three main fields – education, cultural programs and historical preservation. We publish books and periodicals, have established a research library and a German language school, offer genealogical and translation services and produce many cultural events each year.
In 1991, the historic German Free School building in Austin was beqeathed to us, and it now serves as our headquarters and as the venue for many of our activities. The building is open to the public, and over 2000 visitors come through each year. Guided tours are provided on Thursday afternoons.
GTHS has a membership of over 1000 people from all over Texas and beyond. Volunteers do the majority of the work, as we currently have only two part-time people on our staff. Our current goals are to promote the organization and its mission to a broader audience; increase membership; preserve and renovate our historic headquarters; expand and improve our library; strengthen our financial position through fundraising and endowments; and ultimately, to build a German-Texan Cultural Center next door to the German Free School.
