About Us
Who is the GACC
You Are Always Welcome
Honoring the German immigrants who founded Gretna, Louisiana, in 1836 and their contribution to Louisiana’s history is the mission of the German-American Cultural Center and Museum.
The GACC was established in 1999 when the National Park Service developed our free museum. More than 300 members of the Friends of the GACC volunteer at our community events and help support the operations of our museum.


Sharing German Heritage
Gretna’s roots came from the German families who have lived and worked here for more than 185 years. They established businesses, organized volunteer fire departments, ran dairy farms and served as civic leaders. The GACC honors the memories of those pioneers through community leadership and festivals that celebrate German foods and culture.
Preserving German History
The exhibits in the GACC Museum trace the history of German immigration to Louisiana that began in 1721 and follow the paths of several waves of German immigrants to Louisiana and eventually to the West Bank of the New Orleans area. You can learn about the growth of German cultural organizations and churches, and the impact of the world wars on these settlers.


Our Team


GACC Assistant Director
(Ex-officio Biermeister)
Ira Hopkins


GACC Genealogist
Pat Smith
GACC Board Members


GACC Board President
Barron Burmaster


GACC Board Vice-president
Michael Schaferkotter


GACC Board Treasurer
Chris Ziifle


GACC Board Member
Delia Hernandez


GACC Board Secretary
Val Coles


GACC Board Member
Gisela Galjour


GACC Board Member
Robert Kallies


GACC Board Member
Irvin Schwarz

