FOUNDED: 
1966

PURPOSE:
To promote, foster and to encourage interest in German-American tradition and culture in a non-political and a non-sectarian manner; to support and participate in a German music and news broadcasting program; to hold social affairs in the German heritage tradition and in the spirit of time-honored Gemütlichkeit.

OFFICERS:

The Edelweiss Club had its beginning in early fall of 1966 following the establishment of the Edelweiss Hour by Paul Ludtke a year earlier.  It soon became apparent that the Edelweiss Hour would need more than sponsorship support and Paul Ludtke, together with family and a few friends formed the Edelweiss Club as a separate organization to help provide financial assistance to the Edelweiss Hour.  The Club was formally incorporated in late 1967 as the Edelweiss Pleasure Club, Inc.  Through the years the name has evolved to the Edelweiss Club, Inc. and currently the Edelweiss Hour is an integral part of the Edelweiss Club.

The club grew rapidly from a small group to over 1000 members of different ages and nationalities, reaching even beyond the borders of the State of Maryland.  Through the years, the Sunday Edelweiss Hour with Paul Ludtke, and, at the present, Lothar Boczek, has kept members informed of club activities.  Some of these activities have been bus trips, cruises, trips to Germany, dances, bullroasts, Christmas parties, annual Fasching, and participation in the German Festivals, along with special events when German ships have been in port, and the 300th Anniversary of German immigrants in America.  Thus, over the years, the Club has provided its members and friends with fun and Gemütlichkeit.

The Edelweiss Club has presented awards to students of German, both on the high school and college level.  Annual contributions are made to a number of charitable groups and institutions.  Special donations have been made through the years for flood and hurricane relief and, most recently, to groups assisting refugees from Eastern Europe who have found their way to Germany.  Members of the Club who enroll in the German Language School at Zion Church and complete the eight-month course are eligible to have a large portion of their tuition subsidized by the Club.

The activities of the Edelweiss Club have been sustained by a dedicated group of people who have served as officers and as Directors of the Board.