Gifts from the Verein
Pictured here are a few of the items of historic importance the Verein has acquired for the Deutschheim. In addition, the Verein makes substantial financial contributions in support of special events and publishing projects.
F. W. Pommer Pianoforte
Shown here before restoration, this pianoforte now stands in the room in the Pommer-Gentner House where it was most likely built. Its acquisition was an exciting find for the Verein and a wonderful addition to the site.
Turkoman Torba Rug
Sourced by a Verein board member, this early 19th-century rug and the Caucasian Kuba rug were imported from the Asadorian Rug Company.
Caucasian Kuba Rug
This early 19th-century rug beautifully complements the Biedermeier furnishings in the parlor of the Pommer-Gentner House.
Franz Schwarzer Zither
This extraordinary instrument was given to Deutschheim by the late George Bocklage, a long-time Verein board member. It was made by Franz Schwarzer, who started a zither factory in Washington, Missouri, after emigrating from Austria.
German Kitchen Stove
An ornate three-tier Biedermeier cook stove, donated by the Verein, is on display in the Pommer-Gentner House kitchen.
German Heating Stove
Visitors are intrigued by the unique design of this heating stove from Stuttgart, Germany. The lowest chamber is the fire box. The upper chambers are heat exchangers that radiate heat into the room, not out the chimney.
Pommer House Drapes
Thanks to the help and expertise of Verein board members, two Pommer-Gentner House bedrooms now have period-appropriate drapes. These hang in the boys’ bedroom.
Pommer House Drapes
The Verein purchased period-appropriate hardware and fabric for bedroom drapes for Caroline’s room. The Biedermeier bedside table also was a gift from the Verein.
Special Events
- The Shared History of Germans and African Americans in Missouri, symposium held in 2020
- An Amazing Story—German Immigrants Fighting for a Free Missouri, a play by Cecilia Nadal, presented in Hermann in 2019
- Presentation by Anneliese Heider Tisdale, author of Growing up in Nazi Germany
- William H. Pommer Concert Series, 2014, 2015 and 2017
- George Husmann exhibit, 2000
Publications
- What Wondrous Life, George Husmann exhibit catalog, 2017
- German Immigrant Abolitionists exhibit catalog, 2016
- Longer than a Man’s Lifetime in Missouri, by Gert Goebel, 2013
- A Midwest German Christmas cookbook, 1999
- Little Germany on the Missouri, 1998
- Der Maibaum