49th Annual Symposium, Milwaukee, WI, April 24–26, 2025

The 49th Annual Symposium of the Society for German American Studies will be held April 24–26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The theme of the symposium is “German Americans in Print.” The symposium is in-person only; virtual attendance cannot be supported.

The program is available by clicking HERE.

Attendees have the opportunity to participate in two tours.

Pabst Mansion, Friday, April 25, 5:30-7 pm ($13 per person)

During this 90-minute tour, long-time Pabst Mansion archivist and tour guide Gary Strothmann will take you inside the iconic family home of Milwaukee’s well-known German American brewer Frederick Pabst. Built in 1892, the Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion designed by Ferry and Clas for Captain and Mrs. Pabst is an architectural landmark. You will see all three floors of this historic home, now preserved as a museum. Highlights include Mrs. Pabst’s parlor, the music room, the dining room, the Captain’s study, the grand staircase, the pavilion, and the library. Click here and here for short videos of the mansion.

The Bindery, Saturday, April 26, 2-4 pm ($13 per person)

Join a guided tour and printing demonstration at The Bindery, a fully operational “old-fashioned” print shop and book bindery. Learn about the historic equipment and tools, and witness the extensive labor performed in Milwaukee’s many German American printing offices over 100 years ago.

Click HERE for conference and tour registration. 

Hotel and Venue Information

The symposium venue is UWM’s Downtown Conference Center (161 W Wisconsin Ave #6000, Milwaukee). The conference hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown.

Book your room with the direct reservation link by clicking HERE.

The rate is $129.00 for the Standard King Room with sleeper sofa. Breakfast is not included in this room rate. Self-Parking is available at $22.00/day/vehicle (pricing may vary in 2025).  Please check in prior to parking. The front desk will go over the parking information and provide you with in and out access with a QR code that will be sent to your cell phone. The parking garage is attached to the hotel. There is hotel access from the 3rd, 4th & 5th floors with use of guest room key.

Cancellation Policy: Individual reservations may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty, any cancellations made after the 48 hours will incur a 1-night room and tax charge. Guaranteed No Show Policy: Any no show guest rooms will be billed one night’s room & tax to the form of payment identified as the guarantee and the reservation will be cancelled for any remaining nights. Early Departure Fee: Upon early departure, an early departure charge of one night’s room and applicable tax applies. Early Check in/Late check out requests are not guaranteed.

The hotel encourages guests to book using the private link below above. If a guest calls the hotel directly, they should specify they are with the Society for German American Studies Symposium. To book shoulder dates, make adjustments or have any questions in regards to a reservation, please contact the hotel directly and ask for the Sales Office. Department Hotel Direct #: 414-291-4122 – Press (3) to Speak with Front Desk or select (2) for Sales Department *Reservations for the group rate must be made by Monday, March 24, 2025. Any guestrooms requested after the cutoff date will not be able to utilize the group discounted rate. Guests will be offered the best available rate of the day based upon availability, rates are subject to change.

For a list of earlier symposia and programs click HERE. 

(Photo credit: By Bfkenney – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132044163)

Symposium Grants for Graduate Students and Recent PhDs

Five symposium grants of up to $1,500.00 each will be available on a competitive basis to graduate students and PhD recipients within four years of their degree whose paper proposals have been accepted for presentation at the SGAS Annual Symposium. The grants are intended to defray travel and accommodation costs.
For more information click HERE. (scroll down)