Gather your friends for a full day of horse and wiener dog races at the Fair Grounds in celebration of Deutsches Haus' 90th anniversary in the Big Easy! Doors to the bash will open at 11:30 on Saturday, March 7th, followed by food served from 12-2 pm and races kicking off at 12:30 pm. Private dining and a cash bar will also be available in the Phoenix room. Deutsches Haus was established in November 1928 when Deutsche Gesellschaft von New Orleans, whose origins date back to 1848, merged with a collection of other Deutsche groups that were active in the city. At its inception, the organization's primary mission was to support German immigrants arriving to New Orleans by offering them meals, housing, assistance finding employment, help locating their loved ones, and ultimately, aid in the process of becoming a United States citizen. Today, Deutsches Haus is an entirely volunteer run institution with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. One of the city's oldest and largest cultural groups, it now consists of over 600 members and is governed by a 15-person Board of Directors.
Deutsches Haus seeks to cherish the rich culture, language, musical heritage and history of the Germanic people. In the spirit of "Gemütlichkeit," a feeling of warmth, friendliness and good cheer, the organization lends financial and non-financial aid to over 20 nonprofits citywide. Additionally, the Haus hosts an abundance of festivals such as Heurigen, an Austrian Wine Festival; Faschingfest, a Carnival celebration; and Tirolnacht, a night for Austrian exchange students. These celebrations afford cultural experience for attendees, as well as generate revenue to fund Deutsches Haus' operations throughout the year. Each month, the institution holds German language lessons, movie nights, and Kulturabends, evenings of concerts, films and lectures. Finally, through its partnership with The University of New Orleans' Center Austria, the organization sponsors students to study in Germany over the summer.
The Deutsches Haus has proudly amassed one of the nation's largest private archives of German memorabilia, comprised of a precious array of newspaper clippings, genealogical information, sheet music, membership rolls from historic singing societies, and more. These articles are currently housed at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Come out to Deutsches Haus Day at the Races to support the nonprofit which has enriched the cultural fabric of New Orleans for 90 years! Purchase your tickets ($45 for members and $50 for nonmembers) at eventbrite.com.
