Unseen STL History Talks: October 2024
Oktoberfest! Celebrating German History in St. Louis
For October’s Unseen STL History Talks, we’re excited to welcome two speakers who will spotlight the incredible contributions Germans made in shaping St. Louis. From their political activism to their cultural impact, Germans left an indelible mark on the city’s history and identity.
Join us for our own Oktoberfest on Thursday, October 17th, at Spine Bookstore and Cafe, located at 1982 Arsenal St. Doors open at 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to grab a drink, explore the unique selection of books, and chat with other history enthusiasts. The talk begins at 7 p.m., where we’ll dive into the talks. We ask for a $5 cover to support the venue and keep these enriching talks going.
The Talks
Beginning in the mid-1830s, German immigrants arrived in St. Louis in search of land and opportunity. Many of these immigrants opposed slavery and played a significant role in supporting the Union during the Civil War. Their cultural impact extended to the education system, our neighborhoods, and more. In our upcoming talks, we’ll explore two distinct perspectives on life for Germans in early St. Louis, offering unique insights into their experiences and contributions to the city.
Dorris Keeven-Franke will ask, “Who made St. Louis so German?” One key figure is Gottfried Duden, a German author who visited Missouri from 1824-1827 and then published A Report on a Journey, an instant bestseller in Germany. Although the German government tried to discredit it as fake news, Duden’s book inspired hundreds of thousands of Germans to immigrate to the U.S., with many settling in St. Louis. Duden, who bought a farm in Warren County, Missouri, spent years observing life here, writing about everything from Native American raids to local politics. His work led to the formation of Emigration Societies, and subsequent waves of immigrants followed, with letters home encouraging even more to come.
Nathan Jackson will take us on a journey through German St. Louis by exploring our city’s rich architectural heritage. Focusing on the city's 19th-century structures, this talk will reveal how German immigrants influenced and shaped St. Louis as we know it today. From the social hubs of the Turnverein and Union Beer Hall/Smile building to the iconic Naked Truth Statue, Nathan will highlight key landmarks of German heritage. The talk will also showcase a range of residential buildings, including unique flounder houses, grand mansions, and row houses designed by renowned architect Ernst C. Janssen.
Our Speakers
Dorris Keeven-Franke is an award-winning author and curator of the traveling exhibition Utopia - Revisiting a German State in America, which has shared the German immigrant experience with over 60,000 visitors at the Missouri History Museum. She also serves as Executive Director of the Missouri Germans Consortium. Her publications include Utopia - Revisiting a German State in America, Missouri's German Heritage, and Arcadia's Images of America - Warren County (MO). You can learn more at dorriskeevenfranke.com.
Nathan Jackson is the founder of St. Louis History and Architecture, a popular Facebook page and tour company. He writes extensively about 19th and early 20th-century architecture in St. Louis and offers walking tours in neighborhoods across the city, including Soulard. For more information, visit his St. Louis History and Architecture page on Facebook.
Join us on October 17th
We hope you’ll join us for this fascinating evening as we delve into the stories, people, and structures that have shaped St. Louis through its vibrant German heritage. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the city's past, this talk will offer a deeper appreciation for the cultural influences that continue to echo through our streets and neighborhoods today. Come ready to learn, engage, and celebrate the legacy of St. Louis' German community.
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Sounds fascinating, Jackie!