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The Erick Kurz Memorial Award
For Outstanding Achievement in German-American Studies,
Steuben Society of America
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Interested in becoming a member of the Steuben Society?
We are always looking for new members.
Please complete the application form. (PDF)
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The Steuben Society of America, which was founded in 1919, has established the Erick Kurz Memorial Award for the purpose of recognizing and rewarding students, who have made outstanding achievements in the field of German-American Studies. The Award is named in honor of Erick Kurz, past Chairman of the John Peter Zenger Unit of the Steuben Society of America and Vice Chairman of the Society’s National Council. Annual recipients of the Award will receive an honorary certificate with an award of $1,000. Applications or self-nominations for 2009 should be accompanied with a letter of recommendation from the student's academic advisor, and describe the achievements of the nominee. The award nomination may be based on a report, lecture, project, thesis, or dissertation of the student. Nominations may also be based on community service to an institution, organization, or historical site relating to German-American history. Nominations and recommendations should be sent to the Education Committee of the National Council of the Steuben Society of America via e-mail to Steubensociety@aol.com Nominations will close on March 31, 2010. |
"Steuben: The Lost New York City Years and Dreams of a Dignified Retirement"
Discover the rich history of Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, as explained by Curator of the Steuben Historic Site in Remsen, NY, an avid Steuben history researcher, Nancy Demyttenaere, at the Erick Kurz Memorial Lecture at Fraunces Tavern, New York City, 9/6/2012. Video broken into five parts.
Part 1 of 5
Part 2 of 5
Part 3 of 5
Part 4 of 5
Part 5 of 5 |
Greetings From The National Chairman
 Welcome to the official website of the Steuben Society of America.
For those of you who are not familiar with our organization, here is some basic information about us. The Steuben Society of America was founded in May of 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War, by patriotic Americans of German descent. Our mission from the inception of our organization to the present day has remained essentially unchanged. Our goals are to foster good citizenship in the German-American community, to educate the public as to the positive role our ethnic group has always played in American society, and to preserve a sense of ethnic pride amongst German-Americans.
Monument of Von Steuben at Monmouth Park, NJ. Dedicated May 2004 by Paul Bette with the Molly Pitcher and Peter Muehlenberg Units,
 Photo by C. Zorn-Scott
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By no means was it an accident that our founders chose to name our organization after one of the greatest German-Americans. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben epitomizes all the virtues our society holds most dear. The baron dedicated his life to public service. Von Steuben was recruited to the cause of American Liberty by Benjamin Franklin who persuaded the baron to offer his services, without compensation, to the Continental Congress. The baron, a Prussian officer by training, was given the rank of Major General in the Continental Army and distinguished himself as our country’s first effective Inspector General. He trained the troops through the brutal winter at Valley Forge where he converted a loosely assembled hodgepodge of untrained militia into a fighting force capable of standing toe to toe with the mighty British Army. General Washington credited the training and discipline that von Steuben brought to the Continental Army as being indispensable to America’s victory in the Revolutionary War. After the war, von Steuben, unlike other foreign generals who fought on our side, remained in America and became a citizen. The baron’s commitment to public service did not end upon his retirement from the Army. He was a founding member of the Order of Cincinnati, our country’s first veteran aid organization. He was also a charter member of the New York State Board of Regents.
The baron’s commitment to public service and to education has served as a template for the Steuben Society itself. Today we promote civic awareness and ethnic pride via numerous scholarship programs at both the local level and national level. We also support the teaching of German in schools and the promotion of the field of German-American Studies. One of our proudest moments occurred in May of 2004, when the Steuben Society, in partnership with the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, unveiled a statue of Baron von Steuben at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park in New Jersey.
If you are an American citizen of voting age who descends from at least one ancestor whose native tongue was German, I encourage you to consider joining us. Also, all donations made to the National Council are tax deductible. Your financial support of our programs would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to call our Executive Office at 631.730.5111 if you would like more information.
Governor Charlie Crist declares October to be German American Month in Florida |
Very truly yours,
Randall J. Ratje
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The National Council's Education Committee announces the availability of the annual Annual Steuben Society of America Student Award for Outstanding Achievement in German-American Studies.
For many years, we presented this award to graduates at the University of Cincinnati, now we are opening up the competition...details
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GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY, 2010
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
The American story has been written by those who have come to our shores in search of freedom, opportunity, and the chance at a better life. The German men and women who braved numerous perils to cross the Atlantic long ago left a legacy of millions of Americans of German ancestry who have been an integral part of our national life. On German-American Day, we pay tribute to the role this community has played in shaping America and contributing to our progress and prosperity.
On October 6, 1683, 13 courageous German families arrived in Pennsylvania to start a new life. They began a chapter in the American narrative that has influenced our country in all walks of life, and their resolve lives on in the men, women, and families of German descent who enhance civic engagement, steer our industries, and fortify our Nation's character. With their dedication and determination, the United States has been a leader in ingenuity and entrepreneurship, and has delivered a message of hope and opportunity that resonates around the world. Today, German Americans innovate and excel as leaders in all sectors of our society.
On this occasion, we honor not only the countless achievements and rich heritage of German Americans, but also the strong ties between Germany and the United States. Our two nations share unbreakable bonds as allies with solemn obligations to one another's security; values that inspired those brave settlers four centuries ago; and a vision for a safer, freer, more peaceful, more prosperous world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2010, as German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of German Americans and reflect on the many contributions they have made to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
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In Memoriam
Hanswalter Ratje
Cuxhaven, Germany, April 5, 1937 - †Patchogue, NY March 8, 2013
Past National Chairman of the Steuben Society of America
1998-2002
Brother Hans distinguished himself throughout his life by his tireless commitment to any endeavor. For him there could be no half measures taken whether he was playing soccer, running a successful business, serving the German-American Community through the Steuben Society, or whether he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. --- We have lost a warm and wonderful leader and friend who will forever live in our hearts and minds. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Hans’ wife of 50 years, Priscilla Ratje, his son Randall J. Ratje, daughter Heidemarie Ratje, granddaughter Adele Ratje-Mundell, and sister Margret Kus in Germany.
The National Council of the Steuben Society of America
Patchogue, NY 10772 – steubensociety@aol.com |
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