National German-American Day
Fast Facts
- WHAT
- Celebrates German-Americans in the U.S.
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on October 6
- FACT
- 13 immigrant German Mennonite families from Krefeld, Germany, landed in Philadelphia on October 6, 1683
- VIBE
- Educational, Foundational, Historical
NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY
October 6 is National German-American Day in the United States as a day to celebrate the German heritage of millions of Americans. This celebratory holiday commemorates the 13 immigrant German Mennonite families from Krefeld, Germany, who landed in Philadelphia on October 6, 1683. These immigrant families established the first German settlement in the original thirteen colonies, known as the Germantown.
#GermanAmericanDay
National German-American Day was initially celebrated in the nineteenth century. However, it fell out of favor during World War I. Then in the 1980s, things began to change when President Ronald Reagan made his world tour through West Germany in 1982.
Amid a cold war and a divided Germany, the newly elected U.S. President spoke to the people of Bonn. He opened his speech by relating the history of the 13 German families who founded a colony on American soil. He spoke of contributions, advancement, science, and art and the honor to celebrate the German heritage that more than 7 million Americans claim.
German-Americans make up one of the largest ethnic ancestry groups in the U.S., and German immigrants have made foundational contributions across science, industry, journalism, military history, and culture.
John A. Roebling
Civil engineer who emigrated in 1831 and pioneered wire rope manufacturing. He designed wire suspension bridges across North America, most famously conceptualizing the Brooklyn Bridge.
Levi Strauss
Immigrated from Bavaria in 1847. During the California Gold Rush, he co-patented copper-riveted denim work pants—creating modern blue jeans and founding Levi Strauss & Co.
Albert Einstein
Emigrated to the U.S. in 1933 to escape Nazi Germany. Beyond his revolution in theoretical physics, Einstein advocated for civil rights and joined the faculty at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
CELEBRATE GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY
Celebrate your German-American heritage by inviting friends and family to taste the foods and customs of Germany. Share the language. Discover words the English language adopted from German. Explore the history of immigration by visiting museums near you. Use #GermanAmericanDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY HISTORY
On August 6, 1987, Congress approved S.I. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day. It became Public Law 100-104 on August 18 after President Reagan signed it. He issued Proclamation #5719 on October 2, 1987, and at this time, the President called on Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It has been commemorated each year since with Presidential Proclamations.
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