WELCOME
The Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies is an interdisciplinary unit in the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It is dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the stories of German-speaking immigrants and their descendants in the larger context of global migration past and present.
As the University is carefully opening for the fall semester, we are slowly resuming our campus activities, too. At this point, the Institute and the Library are open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please contact a staff member by email, or leave a voicemail message at 608-262-7546.
Unfortunately, we will have to postpone our community programming a little longer, but we hope that this is an opportunity for you to explore our online resources. Over the summer, we have been posting materials and links to a variety of German-Americana in a series that we call “While We Are Hausbound,” starting with a selection of old German-American baking recipes. Check out new topics and installments under “RECENT NEWS” below. And enjoy the many other postings on this site, such as MKI’s new exhibit “Neighbors Past and Present: The Wisconsin German Experience”
All of us at the MKI hope that you are safe and well! — Antje, Hope, Kevin, and Mark
Recent News
“While We Are Hausbound” — German-American Sites
Most museums, historic homes, libraries, galleries, and other buildings are closed this summer, but there are many places outdoors that we can still visit and explore. Take a road trip, go on a bike ride, …
July 8, 2020
“While We are Housebound” — Medical Advice and Remedies
As we eagerly await a vaccine and effective treatments for the COVID-19 virus, it is easy to forget how much has changed in the field of medicine in the last 100–150 years. At a time …
June 25, 2020
“While We Are Hausbound” — American Birds
German immigrants arriving in America marveled at the different flora and fauna they encountered, which included many birds they had never seen before. Some were much bigger or more colorful than the ones they remembered …
June 4, 2020
“While We Are Hausbound” — Personal Letters
One of the hardest things about isolating at home during the COVID-19 crisis is not being able to meet with family and friends. We now Zoom, FaceTime, chat, write emails, or “simply” talk on the …
May 7, 2020
“While We Are Hausbound” — Who Are the Amish?
One of the Max Kade Institute’s most requested outreach presentations is Mark Louden’s “Who Are the Amish?”. Mark had several talks scheduled for this spring that, unfortunately, we had to cancel or postpone. THE …
April 25, 2020- More news...