German-Texan Heritage Society

The German-Texan Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Austin, Texas dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of German Texans and promoting German culture throughout the state.

History
The German-Texan Heritage Society was formed in 1978 by members of the annual Society for German-American Studies symposium. The organization moved into its current headquarters at the German Free School in downtown Austin in 1991.

In 2010, the German-Texan Heritage Society was designated a Preserve America Steward by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Leadership
As of 2024, the German-Texan Heritage Society staff, a paid team which coordinates the organization's volunteer efforts, is helmed by executive director Christopher Markley. The society's board of directors is led by president Janis Gonser.

Education
The German-Texan Heritage Society offers German language instruction for children and adults.

German International School of Texas
In 2021, the society opened the German International School of Texas, a German language immersion school serving preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders.

German Saturday School
The German-Texan Heritage Society has offered German courses for children on Saturdays since 1995 and has since expanded to San Antonio.

Events
The German-Texan Heritage Society hosts yearly Maifest and Oktoberfest festivities as well as a Christmas market in Austin. Additionally, the organization's annual meeting is held in a different Texas City each year.

Library
The society's headquarters at the German Free School is home to the Charles G. Trenckmann Family Library, which contains genealogy resources and other publications about German heritage in Texas.