German-American Day Date in the current year: October 6, 2024

The date of October 6 was chosen because on this day in 1683 thirteen German Mennonite and Quaker families from the town of Krefeld landed in Philadelphia and founded the borough of Germantown that was absorbed into Philadelphia in 1854. Germantown was the first German settlement in North America.

German-American Day was first celebrated in the 19th century. Its celebrations were discontinued during the First World War due to the anti-German sentiment that prevailed at the time. In 1983, the holiday was reestablished by President Ronald Reagan. Since 1987, it has been observed annually.

On this day, numerous activities are organized by the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA (GAHFUSA). GAHFUSA is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting German heritage, culture, and language in the U.S.

German-American Day is not the only holiday that honors German American heritage. On the third Saturday in September, the annual Von Steuben Parade is held in New York City. It is considered one of the major German-American celebrations in the United States.