The Hermann Monument Society
Is dedicated to the conservation, interpretation, promotion,
and development of the Hermann Monument
in New Ulm, Minnesota, an official symbol
recognizing the great achievements of Germanic-Americans
Who was Hermann (Arminius)?
Hermann (Arminius), a Cheruscan chieftain negotiated an alliance of the Marsi, Bructeri, and Chatti tribes with his own warriors to defend Germania from Roman conquest. In September of 9 AD, Arminius' cunning strategy led to the ambush and defeat of the 17th, 18th, and 19th legions of imperial Rome under the command of Publis Quinctilius Varus. This running battle, fought in the midst of the Teutoberg Forest ended abruptly in the Narrows near the Kalkriese Berg initiating a change in Tiberius Caesar's foreign policy. Although Caesar sent eight more legions to Germania, Arminius and his brave warriors continued their fight for freedom. Increasing casualties and a dwindling treasury during subsequent battles between Arminius and Germanicus Caesar eventually convinced Tiberius to abandon Germania in 17 AD.
With no common foe the alliance faltered; inter-tribal strife and jealousy led to Arminius' assassination by his own kinfolk.
"We must tell our children and our children's children the story of the heroes of every land and every time who have given their lives, that liberty and fraternity and equality might survive among men."
Governor David Marston Clough-
Dedication of Hermann Monument
September 26, 1897
Present...
Tour the
(
Open Daily Friday of Memorial Weekend through Monday of Labor Day (May 26-September 1)
Open Saturdays and Sundays, September 6-October 19
Also open during fall MEA break: Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17.
Month of October: Oktoberfest Weekends: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10:00 am- 7:00 pm. (See New Ulm Chamber of Commerce website for Oktoberfest dates)
All hours are 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The monument will close during inclement weather.
Cost of Admission: $1.25 per person. Children 5 and under free with paid adult admission.
Hermann Heights Park:
Paver Program
With its Paver Program HMS is currently gathering funding for a wrought iron fence and sidewalk to secure the monument.
German-Americans
Learn more about early immigration, statistics, and notable accomplishments of Americans either born in German-speaking lands or their descendants on our German-American page.
Membership Program
Your membership and support of the Hermann Monument, Hermann Heights Park, and the goals of the society are both invited and appreciated!
*Romans March on New
September 18-20, 2009
Members of the XIIII Legion (
In 9 AD, the 17th, 18th and 19th Roman Legions were ambushed by a coalition of Hermann’s tribal forces in a series of running battles in the
The City of
“Germanic tribal barbarians” led by Hermann (or Arminius as he was known by the Romans) will ambush the Roman legions in a small-scale reenactment of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest staged on Saturday, September 19, 2009.
“Local barbarians” are invited to tour the Roman encampment Saturday afternoon. You are welcome to enlist in the reenactment at the Roman campsite where you can join one of the tribes: Hermann’s Cherusci Auxiliaries, the Bructeri, Marsi or Chatti. We’ll supply face paint and some Cherusci Auxiliary uniforms. Learn a bit of history, dress and arm yourself as they might have 2000 years ago. Near sunset, Varus and his Romans will march from their summer camp into the carefully planned ambush.
Interested Romans and barbarians contact jkmake@gmail.com
Eventually, the Hermann Monument Society hopes to spearhead a major fund raising campaign for a new Visitor’s Center built near the
Suggestions for the new Visitor’s Center
include information, historical artifacts, and interpretive displays featuring:
Julius Berndt
Monument construction and history
A diorama of the Battle of Teutoburg
Forest
Hermann (Arminius)
Major Tony Clunn and artifacts recovered from the Kalkriese battlesite
Roman legions
Germanic Immigration & Culture
Sons of Hermann Lodges
Recognition of Accomplishments made by Americans of Germanic heritage
Herman's Denkmal in Detmold, Germany
An auditorium,
Gift shop & lobby,
Multimedia room,
Large meeting room.
Your Hermann Monument Society Membership donations help make the New Visitor's Center a reality.
Coming Events:
This website will be updated as details
become available.
Battle of Teutoburg Forest: 2000th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Friday, September 18, 2009 Saturday, September 19, 2009 Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 18, 19, 20, 2009
Area civic leaders and businesses are making plans for a special celebration to mark the 2,000th anniversary of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest.
Make Plans to Join Us!
Learn about Hermann (Arminius) and his
courageous fight to free Germania from Rome's legions. Discover why "Hermann the German" appears in the most unexpected places throughout our city. Tour the monument & interpretive center and immerse yourself in the rich history New Ulm has to offer.
New Ulm is truly a city of Charm and Tradition!
Weekend Festival: 2,000th Anniversary Celebration release of Hermann's Brew in cans with Hermann's Victory Logo
Memorabilia & Collector's items: buttons, steins, postcards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, playing cards, cozies
Hermann's Victory 2009 Committee 2009
City of New Ulm - c/o Mayor Albrecht, P.O. Box 636, New Ulm, MN USA 56073
plans include:
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Academic Symposium featuring Dr. Hans-Friedrich Mueller and Major Tony Clunn
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hermann Walks Among Us!
In 2004-2005, the statue of Hermann (Arminius) was removed from its pedestal for refurbishing. Learn more about the preservation of this landmark from our Monument History page.
