The Delaware Saengerbund, a German cultural club founded in 1853, celebrates its heritage through various activities and events, including its annual Oktoberfest. Located near Newark, Delaware, the clubhouse showcases German artifacts, from traditional shields to beer mugs, and features facilities for song, dance, and culinary events.
The Oktoberfest, returning on September 18-20, is a major draw, requiring 700 volunteers and significant food and drink supplies to serve tens of thousands of attendees. The club evolved from humble beginnings in a Wilmington tavern and has become a cultural cornerstone for German Americans in the region, fostering a sense of community and preserving their heritage through music, dance, and gatherings over beer.
Membership has grown more inclusive over the years, and while members tend to be older, there is an effort to connect younger generations with their heritage. The club’s heart lies in the Bauernstube—originally a barn—where stories are shared, games are played, and friendships are formed, all reinforcing the bond of camaraderie that defines Delaware Saengerbund.
