German-American Heritage Museum of the USA™
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Helping shape America – German-Americans in U.S. Congress from 1789 until today
This exhibit explored the rich history of German-Americans in U.S. politics with a focus on the involvement of the Muhlenbergs of Pennsylvania in politics. They had immigrated to the United States in the first major wave of German settlements to Pennsylvania in the 18th century.
Many family members were involved in politics in multiple arenas, such as being represented in the first U.S. Congress, as the first Speaker of the House of Representatives (Frederick Muhlenberg, the namesake of the Muhlenberg Legend), as Washington’s commanders during the American Revolution (Peter Muhlenberg, brother of Frederick, was a general), and many more. It also researched the involvement of past American presidents with the German government and examined the transatlantic relationship in present-day.
This exhibit was made possible with the help of the United States Capitol Historical Society.
