Calendar of Events

The German Heritage Museum, consisting of five buildings, is open to the public the last Sunday of each month, May through October from 1-5 pm. The following is a list of activities planned for each open house:

May 29 – On this Memorial Day weekend, we honor those who serve and have served in the military. New Knoxville and Washington Township’s military heritage dates back to the Civil War.

June 26 – Farming has always been an integral part of the community. At our second open house we will feature agriculture and related occupations.

July 31 – In 1888 Herman Henry Holtkamp was issued a patent for an attachment to a bicycle. Since then, several residents have been awarded patents as either individuals or through the companies for which they work. At the July open house you can learn more about these patents and even see some local inventions as inventors and entrepreneurs will be the focus of this open house.

August 28 – Our focus on local businesses will continue for this open house.

September 25 – By this open house school is in full swing, so we will focus on our school in September. An entire room in the house is devoted to our local school. You can browse old yearbooks and peruse old photos. In addition, Mike Neuman will be serving his famous chili, which will be accompanied by cider and donuts.

October 30 – Our celebration will conclude with recognition of all those who serve the community. Churches, civic groups and our village government as well as those who work in service professions will be honored.

Special Note: The "Brush Co. School" gymnasium will also be open to again view the school memorabilia.

We hope you will help us celebrate our past and in doing so look forward to a prosperous future.

Remember also that tour appointments can always be made for you and/or your visiting relatives, friends, and groups at any time by calling 419-753-2721, 419-753-2392 or 419-753-2255.

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THE MONTHLY OPEN HOUSES AT A GLANCE

May 29 Left– On this Memorial Day weekend we honored those who serve and have served in the military. New Knoxville and Washington Township’s military heritage dates back to the Civil War.

The 1961 High School graduating class celebrating their 50th anniversary also stopped by for a walk-through of the museum.

June 26 Right – Farming has always been an integral part of the community. At this open house we featured agriculture and related occupations.

Tom Fledderjohann and Doug Hoelscher displayed their antique tractors and also some implements.

July 3 Independence Day Parade – To help celebrate the village's 175th anniversary, the Historical Society entered a float with the theme “FARMING – OUR HERITAGE FOR 175 YEARS”. Pictured on the float is Historical president, Kirk Stienecker, and board member Janean Oberlander with her granddaughter.

July 31 – This open house featured local inventors and entrepreneurs. Two of the inventions featured here are currently in the museum. The first is a roll away egg nest by inventor Leroy Schroer. The other is a pump attachment by inventors William J. Hinze, Christy D. Katterheinrich, and Samuel B. Katterheinrich. The society has a listing of over twenty patents by New Knoxville residents. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

August 28 - This month’s open house featured displays of local businesses. A highlight of the afternoon was a presentation by Denise Testa on the Mosler “Cannonball Safe” which was purchased by Herman Kuhlman for the Peoples Savings Bank in 1910. This safe was touted as one of the most burglar-resistant safes of the era. The Society has a research paper by Ms. Testa on area bank robberies including the robbery of the local bank on the night of October 3, 1919 when robbers torched open the bank vault door, noticed the “cannonball safe”, ignored it, and focused their efforts on the safe deposit boxes. This safe and her research papers are on display in our historical society.

September 25 - This month our focus is on our local schools. Also, Mike Neuman will be serving his famous chili, which will be accompanied by cider and donuts. We were also honored with a few songs from the High School Band. Thanks to Hoge Brush Company they offered the "Old School" gymnasium for us to set up a large display of school memorabilia. Click on the picture to view a slideshow of the afternoon events.