Max Kade Institute

for German-American Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison

WELCOME!

For more than three centuries immigrants from German-speaking lands have come to America, settled in rural and urban communities, and established German-language churches, schools, and businesses. They introduced social customs, traditions, and organizations that have shaped and been shaped by the American way of life.  

Join us in examining America’s diverse heritage through the lens of immigration.

  • Mark Louden receives 2016 Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Prize
  • Sample of old German handwriting
  • Biere at UW-Madison Rathskeller

Welcome!

Friends of MKI OKTOBER FEST, October 13

Join us for a fun evening with great food, beer, and entertainment!  Once again, Bull Falls Brewery (Wausau),  Clasen’s European Bakery (Middleton), the Freiburg Gastropub (Madison), and the University Club Restaurant sponsor our Fest by providing their delicious beer and food. Enjoy accordion music with Bill Niederberger, German songs with members of the Madison Maennerchor, a lecture on “Humor in the Stacks: Curiosities from the MKI Archives,” and a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds benefit the Max Kade Institute.

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“Deciphering Old German Script” Workshop in Milwaukee, Saturday, September 30, 2017

Are you a historian trying to decipher old German handwritten documents? A genealogist researching your German-speaking ancestors?  In this workshop, Mark Louden will introduce you to the basics of reading German handwritten materials, with a special focus on those from the 19th century. Antje Petty will give suggestions on how to work with German-language genealogical records. The workshop combines presentations with practical exercises. You are welcome to bring your own documents to work on. Though a reading knowledge of German is helpful, it is not required.

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MKI Spring 2017 Newsletter

Check out the latest Friends Newsletter! Become a member, if you have not received your issue in the mail.  You will find the following articles:
–Report on the MKI Symposium “People of Faith, Voices of Tradition”
–Friends Annual Meeting 2017: An Exploration of Milwaukee’s German Art
–Welcome to Three New Members on the Friends Board of Directors
–Mark Twain’s “Magnanimous-Incident” Hero and Berthold Brecht’s “The Good Person of Szechwan”

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