German Americans and the Founding of the United States

Presenter: Dr. Emily Sneff. The names of German Americans do not often come to mind when we think about the founding of the United States. In fact, some of the “Founding Fathers” held negative views of German communities. However, immigrants and people of German descent were deeply involved in the war against Great Britain, the establishment of new governments, and the securing of rights for all Americans.
This lecture will examine the roles of military leaders, early officeholders, and supporters on the home front, including members of the Muhlenberg family; Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben; Michael Hillegas; Mary Ludwig Hays (better remembered as Molly Pitcher) — and other men and women whose influence can still be felt today. This event is free to attend and co-sponsored by the German Historical Institute – Washington, D.C. and the Max Kade Institute for German American Studies – Madison, Wisconsin. Register.

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