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.

The Gretna Heritage Festival begins with tapping the ceremonial beer keg.

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 Director

GACC Assistant - Ira Hopkins

GACC Assistant Director
(Ex-officio Biermeister)

Ira Hopkins

GACC Genealogist - Pat Smith

GACC Genealogist

Pat Smith

GACC Board Members

GACC Board President - Barron Burmaster

GACC Board President

Barron Burmaster

GACC Board Vice-president - Michael Schaferkotter

GACC Board Vice-president

Michael Schaferkotter

GACC Board Treasurer - Chris Ziifle

GACC Board Treasurer

Chris Ziifle

GACC Board Member - Delia Hernandez

GACC Board Member

Delia Hernandez

GACC Board Secretary - Val Coles

GACC Board Secretary

Val Coles

GACC Board Member - Gisela Galjour

GACC Board Member

Gisela Galjour​

GACC Board Member - Robert Kailles

GACC Board Member

Robert Kallies

GACC Board Member - Irvin Schwarz

GACC Board Member

Irvin Schwarz

GACC Board Member - Jennifer Latzke

GACC Board Member

Jennifer Latzke

Looking for your Gretna German family roots?

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