The historic Library on the third floor was constructed in 1888 as a reading room. Today in addition to being a working research library, the room is a unique space for lectures, meetings, and wedding ceremonies.
The two-story room is lined with galleried bookcases and a number of busts of famous Germans and German-Americans. There is a large wooden podium at the front of the room, and an assortment of antique wooden tables and chairs are available for use. The room is also air-conditioned. For the preservation of our historic collection, there is no food or drink permitted in the library.
Capacities:
Dimensions: 62' x 44' (2728 sq. ft.)
Seated event: 150 people
Standing event: 150 people
Supported Layouts and Capacities
The German Society built its Versammlungssaal (Assembly Hall) in 1888 for lectures, concerts, special events and general meetings of the Society membership. Today, it is a perfect setting for large dinners or parties, corporate events, and wedding receptions. The Hall was named in 1999 for Albert and Hete Barthelmes who made possible the renovation of the Society's elegant 1888 library reading room, as well as the four plaster electric chandeliers that are original to the room. The ballroom has a 13' wet bar near the main entrance with refrigeration units. Rental of the room also includes the use of 23 folding tables and 240 folding chairs, as well as a commercial-grade kitchen and a catering prep room.
Capacities:
Dimensions: 62' x 43' (2666 sq. ft.) floorspace, 14' x 43' (602 sq. ft.) stage
Seated Dinner: 200 people
Cocktail Reception: 250 people
Supported Layouts and Capacities
The Director's Room is the parlor of the 1830's townhouse that is now the German Society's office space. With a couch, armchairs, and curio cabinets filled with vintage beer steins, china, and books, the room is a charming setting for a bridal suite before a wedding ceremony, or for a quiet retreat during a reception. The room also contains a large board table that seats approximately 12 people.
The Director's Room connects to the Auditorium through a set of double doors. For security reasons, it is only rentable in conjunction with that space.
Capacities:
Dimensions: 17' x 38'
Seated event: 12 people
Standing event: 20 people
Supported Layouts and Capacities
The word "Ratskeller" comes from the words "Rathaus" (a town hall), and "Keller" (a cellar). A Ratskeller is a tavern located below a town hall that specializes in serving beer. The German Society's Ratskeller is a cozy dining room with a traditional, old-world ambiance. The room is ideal for smaller gatherings, whether it's a birthday party, a wine tasting, or a small wedding reception.
The room includes wooden tables and chairs that can seat up to 45. Larger tables and chairs may be brought in to seat up to 100. The room comes with an attached kitchen with refrigerator, oven, microwave, and industrial dishwasher, as well as a 26' wet bar with two refrigeration units and 8 bar stools.
Capacities
Dimensions: 30' x 34' (1020 sq. ft.)
Seated Dinner: 100 people (requires additional furniture)
Cocktail Reception: 140 people
Supported Layouts and Capacities