Culture is made up of our beliefs and habits as a group or society. It includes things like our language, art, music, dance, and even our traditions.
Heritage refers to these cultural traditions—those practices or characteristics passed down through the years from one generation to the next. Heritage includes historic buildings and town sites, archeological sites, monuments, archives, works of art, books, folklore, and oral history, as well as the idea of motherland or “Heimat.” Rivers, mountains and fields, as well as architecture influence one’s heritage.
In 1978, DSB Past President Alfred Escheu established the Culture Committee. Meetings are usually scheduled for the first Thursday of the month (except in July when there is no meeting) and are held in the Boardroom at 7:00 or 7:30.
All committees and groups in the Delaware Saengerbund are involved in cultural programs and events, but the Culture Committee concentrates its efforts on organizing and supporting these and other events:
Concordia German Summer Language Camp Award
In October of the preceding year, the Culture Committee announces this award for 2 children, ages 8-18, to the parents or grandparents of DSB members. Each award is worth $3,250 to pay for the 2-week camp and transportation to Bemidji, Minnesota. The children are then selected by the Culture Committee in December with approval by the Board of Directors. Parents are reimbursed by the club after submission of receipts to the Treasurer. This is a full-fledged summer camp program by a lake in the wilderness, except that they only speak in German.
Erntedankfest
The Culture Committee picks out the church or churches to celebrate this religious program which celebrates the harvest on the first Sunday in October. Similar to Thanksgiving except that this members-only event begins with a bilingual church service (Lutheran or Catholic) where English and German are spoken. We used to choose churches built by Germans, but that is no longer the practice. The service is then followed by a free dinner prepared by the Ladies of the Saengerbund in the Deutsche Halle when we give thanks for the food that we are about to eat.
Advent Concert
Organized by the DSB Singers, but the Culture Committee is responsible for setting up and decorating the von Steuben Room, arranging the Christmas cookies baked by Heinz Ambrosch & helpers on trays and placing them on the decorated tables. We also make the punch and coffee. Punch is served by the Singers and our Culture Committee members. This is a free public event.
German Language Classes for Adults
We offer Levels 1, 2, and 3 (Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced) classes once a week from October – May in the evening for the adult members. This language program is offered free of charge to members only.
Language Awards
The Sepp Hilsenrad Memorial Award and Fulda Scholarship Award to University of Delaware German language students, plus the Delta Phi Alpha Honor Society new member induction and reception. Usually in late April or early May on a Friday.
Reisegruppe (Travel Group)
The travel group offers opportunities to travel that embrace both our German heritage and culture as well as that of others. We offer both day trips and multi-day trips to both domestic and international locations for our members and their families.
Kindercamp
A 1-week German Language children’s camp at DSB usually in early August before school starts. The program mixes fun activities with learning for children ages 8-12 years of age. Members are free. Non-members are $100/child. Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Download the 2026 application here.
Other Events
- German Wine or Beer Tastings
- Trips to Germany & other EU locations
- German Genealogy Group
- Library Committee
- Movie Matinees at DSB
For more information contact the DSB Culture Committee Chair at dsbculture@gmail.com