Continuing Professional Education

The Society for German-American Studies is an international professional organization dedicated to encouraging and advancing the scholarly study of the history, language, literature, and culture of the German element in the Americas. This includes coverage of the immigrants and their descendants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking areas of Europe. Members of the Society include representatives from various academic disciplines who share a common interest in German-American Studies.

Symposium Theme
Transforming the Americas: Immigrants, Explorers, and Exiles

Paper topics will address the study of the history, language, literature and culture of the German element in the New World, including the immigrants and their descendants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other German‐speaking areas of Europe.

Reception and Ticketed Meals

The Gemütliches Beisammensein on Thursday evening, April 12, is open to all attendees at no extra cost. Light hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine will be served. The reception will take place at the Max Kade Center, 1134 W. 11^th, on the University of Kansas campus. A shuttle bus will run from the Oread hotel for this event. Private car parking is available in university lots at the Max Kade Center and at the corner of West 11th Street and West Campus Road.

Advance registration is required for all meals listed below. For other meals, there is a variety of food services in the Oread hotel and nearby. Information on places to dine in Lawrence will be available at registration.

Friday SGAS Awards Banquet

A buffet banquet with wine and beer service will be held in the Oread hotel Friday evening, April 13. This optional event is $40 per person for both attendees and their guests.

Saturday Luncheon and Business Meeting

The luncheon fee is $25.

Workshop on Reading Deutsche Schrift—Karyl Rommelfanger

The most necessary skill for learning to read the old Sütterlin script is a knowledge of German. From there, it is a matter of initiative, patience, and time. Following some basic instruction, each workshop participant will work with a sample Sütterlin text. You may bring your own or work on a text provided at the workshop.

The workshop will run on a continuous basis throughout Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. You are welcome to join at any time.

Tour: The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

A tour to Kansas City is planned for Sunday, April 15. Transportation will be provided to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The state-of-the-art museum gives you the opportunity to explore and discover the nation’s most extensive assemblage of artifacts, photography, art and narratives of the Great War ever presented in a single collection. The museum’s unique visual and audio presentation creates an unforgettable experience for all visitors, young and old. The $10 fee for the tour includes transportation only. Admission to the museum is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for students (18+ with ID), and $6 for youth (6–17). Shuttle arrangements can be made for those who wish to travel directly from downtown Kansas City to the airport without returning to Lawrence.