The Dubois County Museum invites all to visit the museum during the 2016 Jasper Strassenfest.   Here is a listing of programs planned at the museum during Strassenfest.

Thursday, August 3, the museum will display their complete sets of Strassenfest mugs, buttons, and programs.  The Bicentennial Legacy Exhibit: German Immigration to Dubois County is a must see. This Legacy project turns the spotlight on Dubois County and its large population of German immigrants and its strong German heritage.  The Dubois County Museum showcases its gallery on German Immigration exhibits which include: “The Long, Long Trip”, “Germans Come Flying like Snowflakes”, “A Scene from the Early Days”, “County Tecklenburg”, and “Flourishing Religious Faith and Service”.

Why did so many Germans flee to America two hundred years ago? What was their voyage like? What happens when so many immigrants come to the same area? This exhibit addresses the ship’s voyage, the manifest (list of passengers), the ports where they left and the ports where they landed. Much of the information is based on the doctoral work of Elfrieda Lang who was one of the first to study Dubois County’s heavy German population. Many stories of the immigrants are included with an aim of enticing visitors to study their own ancestry.

A scene from the 1900’s demonstrates what the hard work has brought to the family. The love of music and art has been carried on in their new home in Dubois County.

The new settlers established in Dubois County commune-type German-speaking schools, churches, clubs, and even a militia formed during the Civil War. There is a section that spotlights one of the “communes” developed on the land around Holland and Huntingburg where several villages from Hanover—Tecklenburg and Osnabruck—almost emptied out and came to America.

One family’s set of four documents can be viewed—documents needed to emigrate from Germany, show exemption from military duty, then to become a citizen in America, and the main reason most of these Germans came–to own land.

Research on the early churches in Dubois County and the services they brought is ongoing. The history of Memorial Hospital stands as a prime example of such services. The influence of these religions is still the integral source of a unique culture found in Dubois County.

On Friday, August 4 the museum will be open Extended Hours from 10 am to 4 pm for Strassenfest.  Be sure to check out these exhibits: Complete Sets of Strassenfest Mugs, Buttons, and Programs, The Story of German Immigration to Dubois County, and the Indiana Historical Society Exhibit on loan to Dubois County called: Who Is a Hoosier? The traveling exhibit uses maps and informational graphics to highlight the statistical impact of changing ethnic groups over time. It shows how the comings and goings of newcomers to the state, through immigration or migration, have created the Indiana we know today—and will continue to shape its future.

In addition, photographs from various IHS collections and from institutions across the state bring to life the personal stories of immigration.  Who Is a Hoosier? Exhibit is made possible by Kroger.

Be sure to Visit the Stone Cutters Hut similar to Pfaffenweiler’s Stone Carver’s hut.  From 1—4pm, bring in your postcard sized German forms and receive a Translation from old German Script of your documents or artifacts by Marilyn Nathan.

On Saturday, August 5 be sure and Visit the new exhibit: The Story of German Immigration to Dubois County, the Complete Sets of Strassenfest Mugs, Buttons, and Programs, and the Indiana Historical Society loan exhibit:  Who Is a Hoosier? Be sure to Visit the Stone Carvers Hut at the museum.  It is similar to Pfaffenweiler’s.  From 10:30—1:30 there will be Translations from old German Script of your documents or artifacts by Marilyn Nathan. Postcard size free.

Two programs are new this year and incorporate the German Immigration.  Beginning at 1:30pm, there will be a program by Mel Menke on his German Ancestry, and at 2:15pm, there will be a  program by Fr. John Schipp on Tracing the German Roots of Dubois County, especially the Ferdinand area. Father Schipp will give tips on tracing your own ancestry.

On Sunday,  August 6, from 1—4, come in to have a translation from old German Script of your documents or artifacts by Marilyn Nathan. Postcard size free, please.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00-2:00pm, Saturday from 10:00-4:00pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm.  It is closed on Monday. The Dubois County Museum is a local non profit organization committed to the collection, preservation and interpretation of historical artifacts and information important to the citizens of the county.  Museum operations are funded by annual memberships, admission charges, donations and gifts from visitors, area residents and businesses.   The DCM staff consists entirely of volunteers.  The Dubois County Museum is located in Jasper at 2704 N. Newton Street (US231).  Call (812) 634-7733.  Please allow two hours to view exhibits.   Visit the museum web site at www.duboiscountymuseum.org. Like us on Facebook.