May Newsletter 2026

Liebe/r EdgewaterRogersPark,



Spring is here and we are doing some Haus cleaning! We are removing the graffiti and tuckpointing the north walls of our historic Haus to look our best for the Gala on May 16th. A few tickets are still available to attend and you can participate in our community fundraiser to remove the graffiti! Our Marketing Specialist Sarah is moving to Colorado, we wish her well! We have an open Marketing and Intern position, see our website for more information and to apply. Come join us for Eurovision or brush up on your travel German, class starts in 2 weeks! Finally, summer camps are starting soon, have you registered your child yet??

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Heidi Christen

Executive Director

 DANK Haus Gala

Party Like It's 1986

Saturday | May 16

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Get ready for a night of nostalgia! Join us for a seated dinner, DJ, and silent auction as we celebrate and support cultural and education programs at the DANK Haus. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening—Gala ticket sales end May 1st!

All proceeds benefit the DANK Haus’s cultural and educational programs.

Leave Your Mark and Restore the DANK Haus Façade



Join us for a one-of-a-kind Graffiti Wall installation at the Gala inspired by the Berlin Wall—where art meets community.

By sponsoring a panel, you and/or your brand become part of a dynamic, interactive piece as guests add their own marks alongside your logo. Your support helps us raise $10,000 for graffiti removal and restoration of the DANK Haus façade.

Sponsorship options:

• Premium Panel (24” x 24”) – $250
• Classic Panel (12” x 12”) – $150



Gain meaningful visibility while supporting a lasting impact.



Reserve your spot by May 5th and make your mark!

Eurovision Watch Party

Saturday, May 16

2:00 - 6:00 PM CT

Enjoy a lively afternoon of music, glitter, and global flair as we stream the Grand Final live. This family-friendly event features European-inspired snacks and drinks for purchase, plus games and activities!

Kindly RSVP by May 14!

German Citizenship Forum with the German Consulate

Saturday, May 30 | 10 AM - 12 PM

Get expert insights on German citizenship—from how to obtain it to how to retain it. Representatives from the Chicago German Consulate will cover application processes, dual citizenship, family-related cases, and recent legal updates, with additional guidance from Hinshaw Law.

This Q&A-style forum invites attendees to submit questions in advance during registration.

Become a Friend of DANK Haus Today!

Your membership helps preserve and promote German-American culture right here in Chicago. As a Friend of DANK Haus, you’ll enjoy great perks while supporting your cultural home.

Member Benefits:

• Discounts on language classes, events, and merchandise
• Invitations to exclusive members-only gatherings
• Free guided tours and museum access

DANK Haus Summer Camp 2026

Registration is open!

Our bilingual summer camps welcome all students—no prior German required!

Session Dates:

• June 22 - July 3 Kreative Kinder
• July 6 - July 17 Entdecker Kinder
• July 20 - July 31 Blaue Erde Kinder
• Aug 3 - Aug 14 Bau & Design Kinder

Additional Camps for 10 - 14 year olds! 

• June 22 - July 3 Theater Kinder & Kreative Kinder 
• Aug 3 - Aug 14 Koch Camp Kinder

All camps run for two weeks.

Open Haus – School Year 2026/2027

Join us on May 20 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM to learn more about our programs for the upcoming school year.

We offer full-day Preschool & Kindergarten, Saturday classes, Adult Language School, Summer Camps, and a Language Testing Center. Meet our team, explore our classrooms, and discover the right fit for you or your family!

Adult Summer Semester 2026

Registration Open!

Learn German at any level, from beginner to proficient, with flexible online and in-person classes designed to fit your schedule!

Registration is open for our Weekday Preschool and Kindergarten programs!

Our bilingual and full-day German Immersion Schule immerse children in language learning while building strong academic, social, and emotional foundations.

Through play and project-based learning, students explore reading, math, science, music, and the arts, guided by curiosity and creativity!

Marketing Manager | Part-Time

The DANK Haus is seeking a creative, mission-driven Marketing Manager to lead digital strategy, content creation, and community engagement efforts. Ideal candidates will have experience in marketing or digital strategy, strong communication skills, video editing experience, and proficiency in platforms such as Canva, CapCut, Loomly, Constant Contact, Google Suite, and website builders. German language skills are a plus.

Marketing & Social Media Intern

The DANK Haus is seeking a creative and motivated Marketing & Social Media Intern to assist with social media content, marketing materials, event promotion, and digital campaigns. Ideal candidates are students or recent graduates with strong communication skills, Canva and social media experience, and an interest in nonprofit or cultural work. German language skills are a plus.

Volunteer at Maifest with Us!

May 28 - May 31

Volunteering is a great way to enjoy the festivities while supporting the DANK Haus. Even better, net proceeds are shared based on volunteer participation, so every shift worked for DANK Chicago North helps generate vital funding for the Haus.

Whether you can give a few hours or an afternoon, your support makes all the difference!

Prefer to volunteer in the DANK Haus Information Booth (non-revenue generating but equally important), sign up here to secure your spot! 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our community. Let’s work together to make Maifest 2026 unforgettable!



Neue Deutsche Welle: Sound, Style, and Youth Culture in 1980s Germany

April 6 - June 13 

Experience the sound of a generation. Neue Deutsche Welle: Sound, Style, and Youth Culture in 1980s Germany opens April 6. From West German pop to underground scenes in the GDR, this exhibit explores how music and style became powerful tools of identity, resistance, and expression across a divided nation.



German American Police Association Annual Golf Outing

Monday, June 8 | 8:30 AM Start

Renwood Golf Course

Join the German American Police Association for a day of golf and Gemütlichkeit on June 8, 2026 at Renwood Golf Course in Round Lake Beach—supporting Gold Star Families and the Chicago Police Memorial Fund.

$125 per golfer includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, and a German dinner

Dinner-only: $40

Spots are limited! (144 golfers)

Staff Recommendation from Sarah

Barbara

Set in East Germany in 1980, Barbara follows a doctor exiled to a rural hospital after applying to leave the GDR. As she quietly plans her escape with her lover in the West, she remains distant until her compassionate new boss begins to challenge her resolve. Caught between duty, suspicion, and unexpected connection, Barbara must decide where her future truly lies.

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

dankhaus.com