See below for a complete report on the Friday night German dinner, which was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Palantines to America. Our partner host offered schnitzel and wurst and spaetzle, oh my! on the menu. A true German meal. And reminded attendees of its important contributions to the German genealogy community. Some of the leading researchers in the field have been involved with PalAm over the years. We thank the conference host for sharing this celebration with all of us.

PALATINES TO AMERICA
GERMAN GENEALOGY SOCIETY

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
JUNE 13, 2025

Sally MacGowan welcomed all in attendance to the 2025 IGGP Conference German Dinner and Anniversary Celebration. Slides of historical PalAm activities and members streamed during dinner.

After dinner, the Columbus Maennerchor performed. They are a men’s choir that was founded over 170 years ago by 12 immigrants. They sang several German songs and were well received.

John Harder presented photos of the German Village Bus Tour. There was so much interest expressed in the bus tour of German Village that some photos from the trip were shared.

Dr Kenneth Heger read a tribute to IGGP for its 10th Anniversary written by President Barbara Schmidt. Then John introduced the members of the IGGP Board of Directors who were in attendance.

John introduced two IGGP partner societies celebrating important anniversaries. He said all 62 IGGP Partner Societies are celebrating anniversaries this year. Two were highlighted: DAGV, founded in 1949 and celebrating 76 years. The other, Galizien German Descendants, was founded in 1995 and is celebrating 30 years.

Three other IGGP partner societies were paid special tribute because of their generosity in sponsoring this conference. They are SGGS (founded in 1983), Platinum Sponsor, as well as GGS (founded in 1979) and MAGS (founded in 1982), both Gold Sponsors.

Palatines to America German Genealogy Society is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. PalAm was founded in 1975 by Charles M. Hall, Joan Vincent, Craig Weaver and 111 other charter members. In its 50 years as a society, PalAm has undergone changes as it grew and adapted to a changing environment.

John asked PalAm’s past national presidents who were in attendance to stand and be recognized. PalAm has had 12 state chapters throughout its 50-year history; six chapters are active today.

John said the most important part of any organization is its members. John asked members who joined PalAm between 2015 and 2025 to stand. Next, he asked members who joined between 2005 and 2015, to stand. He asked those who joined between 1995 and 2005 to stand. Next, he asked members who joined between 1985 and 1995 to stand. Finally, he asked those who joined PalAm between 1975 and 1985 to stand. The members were applauded.

Sally read excerpts from Memories of PalAm written by six long-term members of the society. Those quoted include Hank Z Jones, Jr, who said joining PalAm “was one of the best decisions I ever made. We are all on the same page, learning the same lessons and trying to overcome the same brick walls in our research.” Ernie Thode said about a trip he led to Germany “This was not a tourist-type itinerary. Instead, we visited small churches, cemeteries, archives, and ancestral homes, rather than cathedrals and palaces.” Mary Hess said “Working as a PalAm [office] manager for many years, I met and worked with many PalAm members who are now friends. I enjoyed volunteering to work on conferences with Roberta Newcomer. . . . sharing stories with other members and getting advice and help from folks like Ernie Thode, Roger Minert, and Don Tolzmann.” “Most of all through my research I became friends to my ancestors, not just their names.” Bonnie Everhart wrote “I never anticipated being a member of PalAm would enable me to visit so many historic and interesting places in Europe. However, the very best part was the camaraderie that resulted in lifelong friendships.” Sharon Kennedy said “Thode’s booklets pertaining to German research have been invaluable in learning about and translating German church records.” “The interaction/sharing of ideas with other genealogists is invaluable—doing the same hobby, learning new research techniques, making long-term friendships, helping the Society grow.” Finally, Becky Thornton said “The in-person meetings allowed everyone to talk to each other about what they’ve found out and how they found it, share resource ideas, and cheer each other on.”

Sally described the Harvey Harsh Award as recognizing the highest ideals of the Society. Only one award can be presented each year; and, in some years, no award is presented. She showed the list of Harvey Harsh Award recipients from 1982 to 2025. She read the names of those recipients who attended the ceremony; the audience applauded them.

Next, Sally introduced the Kocherthal Circle, a lineage society that began in 2013. To become a member, a person must prove his or her lineage back to German immigrants who came to America with Joshua Kocherthal between 1708 and 1711. She said there are 19 members of the society with more than 75 ancestors memorialized. One of the newest members of the society, Eric Hemme, was in the audience. The audience joined Sally in applauding their achievements. She encouraged others to check out the list of members and consider adding their own New York Palatine Immigrant.

John listed ten of the benefits of membership in PalAm on a slide. He said there are many more benefits and encouraged people to consider joining the society.

John said as we look to the future together, we cannot rest on our past achievements. We must look forward to the next 50 years and beyond. What changes await us, or what do we need to create as we continue to pursue the stories of our German-speaking immigrant ancestors? What will our environment be like? We can’t do it alone. We must help many others develop a passion for genealogical research.

At the recent PalAm Annual Membership Meeting, John announced several awards to people whose dedication and service to PalAm was noteworthy this past year. Five people who deserve recognition were not at that meeting. They were honored at the celebration for significant contributions to the planning and execution of the conference; each was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. They were Edie Adam, Ann Broihier, Ingeborg Carpenter, Kent Cutkomp, and Dona Ritchie (who was not at the celebration).

In closing, John said PalAm has much to be thankful for and many people to thank.

• IGGP selected PalAm to host this conference, and we are grateful.

• PalAm members provided funds to finance the conference.

• The Steering Committee spent many hours planning and leading the conference.

• Nationwide provided this beautiful and functional venue for the conference.

• All who have supported the conference—sponsors, presenters, vendors, partner societies, connection session leaders. All have contributed to the conference and we thank you.