Registration Opens for Spring 2024 “Let’s Talk Luxembourg” Virtual Program Series
The Luxembourg American Cultural Society has opened registration for its Spring 2024 “Let’s Talk Luxembourg” virtual programming series. This series features three one-hour programs that explore various topics in Luxembourg/ Luxembourg-American history, culture, current events, lasting traditions, and more from the comfort of your home via ZOOM.
Exploring the Luxembourg National Archives
Interested in learning more about your ancestors who emigrated from Luxembourg?
The Luxembourg National Archives is a great place to start!
The Luxembourg National Archives play a key role in the conservation and communication of public and private archives as well as in the records management within the Luxembourg state. This work is essential in order to maintain the memory of the country, for a more transparent and more democratic society and for the proper functioning of public organizations. The National Archives enable citizens and researchers to have access to Luxembourg’s collective and individual memory.
During this talk, Nadine Zeien and Sanja Simic will provide you with an overview of the Luxembourg National Archives’ missions and activities, and guide you through the archival material available online for every person interested in genealogical research.
This program will be offered through Zoom. Members, please sign in when requesting your ticket.* The Zoom link will be emailed after ticket purchase, and we will send a reminder email a day or two prior to the event.
*Tickets are per device. If multiple people plan to watch from the same computer, only one ticket is needed.
About the Speakers:
Nadine Zeien, born in 1977, studied history at the Centre universitaire de Luxembourg and at the University of Liège from 1996 to 2000. In 2001, she acquired a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in medieval history at the University of Louvain-la-Neuve. Since 2003, she holds the position as curator of the medieval and modern collections at the Luxembourg National Archives.
Sanja Simic, born in 1986, studied history at the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne from 2005 to 2010, where she acquired a Master 2 Diploma in modern history. She worked as a journalist, communication officer and history teacher, and holds, since 2017, the position as head of the public relations department at the Luxembourg National Archives
History Talk: Luxembourg’s Steel Industry
Did you know that the One World Trade Center and American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) were built with Luxembourgish steel?
Luxembourg has a rich agricultural history that many of us are familiar with. However, during Europe’s Industrial Revolution (1840s-1890s), Luxembourg completely shifted from an agricultural society to an industrious society with the mass production of steel. Former Ambassador Krieger will discuss the history of Luxembourg’s steel industry and how it shaped the Luxembourg we know today.
This program will be offered through Zoom. Members, please sign in when requesting your ticket.* The Zoom link will be emailed after ticket purchase, and we will send a reminder email a day or two prior to the event.
*Tickets are per device. If multiple people plan to watch from the same computer, only one ticket is needed.
About the Speaker: Former Ambassador Carlo Krieger
Carlo Krieger grew up on a farm outside Mertert, a small Luxembourg village situated on the banks of the Moselle River. He began his studies at the University of Vienna, went on to Miami University (Ohio) to receive a B.A. in social anthropology and continued his studies at the University of Chicago as a Fulbright grantee, before receiving his Ph.D. in Vienna, Austria. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a civil servant. During the last decades he has been posted to several countries representing Luxembourg, and he most recently served in Brazil, until his retirement in April 2022. Among other tasks, he currently chairs the Luxembourg Roots and Leaves organization. He is married to fellow Let’s Talk Luxembourg Presenter, Nicole Krieger-Loos and they have three children.
Virtual Collections Visit – Part II
Ever wonder what is behind the scenes in the archives and collections of the LACS?
Join Curator Serena Stuettgen for a look into the artifact collection! She will give an overview of the over 20,000 items in the LACS collection and talk a little about how the LACS preserves Luxembourg American heritage and culture through artifacts. Then Serena will showcase artifacts selected from the collection that help tell the history and culture of the Luxembourg American community.
This program will be offered through Zoom on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11am Central Time. Members, please sign in when requesting your ticket.* The Zoom link will be emailed after ticket purchase, and we will send a reminder email a day or two prior to the event.
About Our Host:
Serena Stuettgen is the LACS Museum Curator and manages the artifact collection, exhibits, and research center. Before joining the LACS in April 2019, she worked for six years in various roles at Milwaukee’s Pabst Mansion, was an art handler for Guardian Fine Art Services, and had an internship at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. Her education includes a Master of Arts from UW-Milwaukee with an emphasis in Public History and a certificate in Museum Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Religious Studies and History. She also carries a culture certificate from a summer program at the University of Kassel in Germany. Serena is passionate about using current museum trends to connect the public with history through the preservation, research, and use of collections.
*Tickets are per device. So if multiple people plan to watch from the same computer, only one ticket is needed.
Discover Luxembourg Tour Virtual Program
Have you ever wanted to travel to Luxembourg? Make planning your trip a breeze with the LACS on the Discover Luxembourg Tour!
Join the Discover Luxembourg Virtual Program on January 26th, 2024 @11am CT to learn more about the tours!
The virtual program is FREE to join!
This program will be offered through Zoom. Members, please sign in when requesting your ticket.* The Zoom link will be emailed after ticket purchase, and we will send a reminder email a day or two prior to the event.
*Tickets are per device. If multiple people plan to watch from the same computer, only one ticket is needed.
The LACS and Roots & Leaves organization has coordinated guided trips to Luxembourg for the last 12 years. The Discover Luxembourg Tour offers personalized attention and guided tours by Local Luxembourgers and Genealogical Experts to make this the Trip of a Lifetime!
In this Virtual Program, you will learn about Luxembourg City, the history, the food, the culture, and what you can expect while traveling with the LACS. You will hear from the coordinators of the Tour! Presenters – Former Ambassador of Luxembourg, Carlo Krieger, and Former Director General of the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, Guy Dockendorf.
Carlo will present on Luxembourg history, politics, and its place in the European Union. And Guy, will present the provisional program of the Discover Luxembourg Tour. There will be time remaining for a Question and Answer Session.
Interested in signing up for the next Discover Luxembourg Tour?
Join the Spring 2024 Discover Luxembourg Tour: “Take the Journey Back Home to Luxembourg!” Guided Tour, April 20-29th, 2024*
The LACS works with Value Holidays to coordinate travel. Please make your registrations and payments with them. Any questions regarding flights should be directed to Value Holidays by emailing mariannen@legacytravelgroup.com or calling 262-241-6373.
General questions about the tour can be direct to LACS Executive Director Patricia Lutz by emailing plutz@lacs.lu or calling 262-476-5091.
*By registering for this virtual program, you will receive the extended $100 per person Early Bird Registration Discount!
2025 Cultural Forum
2025 Luxembourg Fest Cultural Forum:
Friday, August 8th
We are busy working on our 2025 forum theme and presenters. More information will be available in the 2025 Fest Gazette and Lion’s Roars.
LACS Announces Fall 2023 “Let’s Talk Luxembourg” Virtual Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LACS Announces Fall “Let’s Talk Luxembourg” Virtual Programs
BELGIUM, WISCONSIN, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023. The Luxembourg American Cultural Society has opened registration for its Fall 2023 “Let’s Talk Luxembourg” virtual programming series. This series features three one-hour programs that explore various topics in Luxembourg/ Luxembourg-American history, culture, current events, lasting traditions, and more from the comfort of your home via ZOOM. These programs are free to LACS members and $15 each for non-members. All attendees must register in advance at www.lacs.lu/events.
This fall’s programs are:
“Virtual Visit of MUDAM”
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11 AM CT
This talk takes you on a virtual tour of Luxembourg’s art scene through the exhibits and collections of MUDAM- the Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg. MUDAM Executive Director Bettina Steinbrügge will give an overview of the museum, discussing its current exhibits and collections.
“History Talk: The Early Years of Luxembourg”
Friday, November 3, 2023 at 12 PM CT
Typical history lessons only focus on the past 200 years, yet the name/word ‘Luxembourg’ is found in text as early as 963AD. Dive deep into Luxembourg’s rich history with LACS board member Marc Klein as he explores how Luxembourg’s strong fortress kept the Grand Duchy safe from foreign invaders for centuries, starting at the earliest mention of the country through 1443 when the Duchy passed control to the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good.
“Holiday Cooking Class”
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11 AM CT
Let’s celebrate the holidays together through this cooking class with your hosts, Nicky Krieger-Loos and Marc Weydert. Stay tuned to www.lacs.lu for the announcement of the seasonal recipe we will be making.
Please contact Tara Williams with any press requests.
**The Luxembourg American Cultural Society’s mission is to preserve the roots of our heritage and nurture the leaves of ongoing relationships between Luxembourg and America.**
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History Talk: The Early Years of Luxembourg
Learn about Luxembourg’s early history, long before it became an independent country.
The name/word ‘Luxembourg’ can be found in texts as early as 963AD. In the modern age, we typically look to the last 200 years of Luxembourg’s history. But, Luxembourg has a rich history that goes beyond just 200 years ago.
Board Member Marc Klein will discuss the history of Luxembourg from 963 to 1443 when the Duchy passed control to The Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good. Marc will talk about the first sovereigns from the House of Luxembourg, the four emperors from the House of Luxembourg, and the last years before the Duchy became part of Burgund.
This program will be offered through Zoom. Members, please sign in when requesting your ticket.* The Zoom link will be emailed after ticket purchase, and we will send a reminder email a day or two prior to the event.
*Tickets are per device. If multiple people plan to watch from the same computer, only one ticket is needed.
About the Speaker: Marc Klein
Marc works for Luxembourgeoise-Vie, a life insurance company and lives in Frisange, Luxembourg. He has a passion for genealogy and the Luxembourg emigration to the United States. He has published an article about the local emigration from Frisange, Aspelt and Hellange and has researched the emigration from Luxembourg’s Moselle region to the United States.
Virtual Tour of Echternach, Luxembourg
Join Georges Calteux for a virtual tour of Echternach.
He will share Echternach’s storied past, some of its recognizable locations, and its beloved traditions. Georges will also briefly discuss the tragic recent floods that forced evacuations in the area.
This program will be offered through Zoom on Saturday, November 20, at 11am Central Time.* Members, please sign in when requesting your ticket.** The Zoom link will be emailed after ticket purchase, and we will send a reminder email a day before the event.
About Georges Calteux:
Georges Calteux was born in Luxembourg in 1936. After art and architecture studies in Nancy, Brussels and Vienna, he worked as an art teacher from 1967 to 1977, when he entered the “Service des Sites et Monuments Nationaux” (Luxembourg Department of Conservation) of which he assumed the Direction from 1982-2004. As such Calteux was in charge of supervising numerous restoration assignments, and he showcased numerous cultural heritage projects, winning national and international acclaim.
His undertakings related to Luxembourgers in the United States, and within the activities of the “Lëtzebuerger Kultur an Amerika” and “The Roots and Leaves Association” societies, include:
- Conference talks on Luxembourg traditional architecture
- Concert tours with the Troaterbattien music band
- Creator of the Cigrand bust at the Fredonia Flag Museum
- Design of entrance of Belgium, WI City Hall
- Design of interior and exhibition furniture of the Roots and Leaves Museum in Belgium, WI
- Design of the Luxembourg American Family Tree sculpture at the LACS Welcome Center
- Restoration of Luxembourg stone houses in the Midwest (Marnach house, Elba, MN; Gehlen house, St. Donatus, IA, Sinnen House, (now at) Ozaukee County Pioneer village, US
- Publication of “Luxembourg Houses in America,” as Volume 3 of his book series “d’Lëtzebuerger Bauerenhaus”
*This program was previously scheduled for November 21; it has been rescheduled for November 20.
**Tickets are per device. So if multiple people plan to watch from the same computer, only one ticket is needed.