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History and Development of the
German-American Women’s Club of Munich
1945-2023
1945
End of World War 2: Germany was divided into 4 zones, each to be
managed by an occupying military government. The official US policy, known
as The Non-Fraternization Policy, was to prohibit personal contact between
Germans and Americans.
1946
General Lucius D. Clay, Military Governor of the US-Occupied Zone in
Germany, disregarded the Non-Fraternization Policy and instead, issued
instructions to establish German-American Friendship Clubs in the entire
American-occupied zone.
1947
At the end of 1947, an idea to establish the Munich Women's Club
arose. Several German ladies, including Her Royal Highness (IKH) Princess
Pilar von Bayern, together with the wives of the American officers stationed
in Munich, wanted to help relieve the suffering of the people in the
difficult post-war time.
1948
The newly founded German-American Women's Club of Munich quickly
distinguished itself through its charitable activities. IKH Princess Pilar
von Bayern, together with both German and American club members, worked to help the poor and needy.
1949
The first Silver Tea of the German-American Women's Club of Munich
took place in the home of the US Consul General in Munich, Sam E. Woods.
Donations were collected.
1951
The first Magnolia Ball was held in Munich's Regina Palast Hotel.
IKH Princess Pilar von Bayern was elected as President of the
German-American Women's Club of Munich.
1957
The student exchange program 'A Bridge over the Ocean' was
established as an initiative of the German-American Women's Club of Munich.
Two American students were invited to study for one year at a
German university. In exchange, the US universities of those two students
provided scholarships to two German students.
US Vice-President Nixon recognized the Federation of German-American
Clubs for its achievements.
1958
The German-American Youth Program was started. German and American
youth between the ages of 14 and 18 were brought together for weekend
seminars.
1965
For the first time, the German-American Friendship Week took place,
with participation from leading Germans and Americans.
1974
The VDAC (Federation of German-American Clubs) founded the Alumni
Club as a platform and network for alumni of the student exchange program.
1980
General Lucius D. Clay, who paved the way for the founding of the
Federation of German-American Clubs, when in 1946, as Military Governor of
the US-Occupied Zone, he ended the 'Non-Fraternization Policy', received the
Konrad Adenauer Prize for his service. He donated the monetary portion of
the prize, 32.000 DM, to the Federation.
1987
German-American Day was established and replaced German-American
Friendship Week. Every year since then on October the Federation has
bestowed its highest recognition on those people who have done the most to
promote German-American relations.
Since 1991
Students and youth from the former DDR have taken part in the
Student Exchange and Youth Programs.
1995
The Trans-Atlantic youth program 'Homestay Program in the USA' was
introduced and the first German youth travelled to the USA, spending time in
the homes of American families.
1999
The youth program 'Homestay Program in Germany' for American youth
visiting Germany was started.
2008
50th anniversary of 'The German-American Youth Program'. (est. 1958)
Chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the General Lucius D. Clay
medal by the VDAC.
2012
55th anniversary of 'The German-American Student Exchange Program'
(est. 1957). Since its start, about 2700 students from Germany and the USA
have taken part in this program. As of 2012, agreements with 20 USA partner universities have been made, including with the University of Cincinnati, located in Munich's sister-city.
2013
65th anniversary of the German American Women's Club of Munich (est.
1948). On the occasion of its anniversary, the Club's first press
conference was held at the International Press Club of Munich.
2016
The second press conference was held at the International Press Club of Munich.
2017
Fifty years of engangement in the project "Meals on Wheels" are being honored in this press report
2018
70th anniversary of the German-American Women's Club Munich (founded in 1948)
Carole Boehm, our chairlady of "Meals on Wheels" for decades, receives a medal of honor. Read more here
2019
68th Magnolia Ball (since 1951)
70th Silver Tea (since 1949)
2020
69th Magnolia Ball (since 1951)
For the first time in more than 70 years, the Silver Tea had to be called off because of the Covid pandemic. Instead, letters were sent to the club members and to friends of the Silver Tea asking for donations so that we can continue funding the charity organisations we support.
2021
In February of this year the 70th Magnolia Ball had to be canceled for the first time in its history because of the lockdown.
The Silver Tea in November of this year could not take place for the second time in a row because of the Covid pandemic.The letters asking for donations which were sent to our members and friends of the two fund raising events, were successful. We could continue to fund the charity organisations we support.
The Inclusion Golf Tournament was introduced in September 2021 as new charity event. The first such tournament took place at the golf course Munich-Aschheim.
2022
The Magnolia Ball had to be called off a second time. Club members and friends of this fund raising event, who were again addressed by letter for donations, helped us to continue to support our charitable organisations.
For the first time this year a Summer Charity Event was planned to take place at the end of July at Munich's "Künstlerhaus". Unfortunately, this event had to be postponed because of rapidly rising coronavirus infections.
The 2nd Inclusion Golf Tournament on September 16, 2022 in Aschheim turned out to be a big success.
On November 8, 2022, the Silver Tea was back with its usual glamour. It was the 71st since 1949 because it had to be cancelled in the two previous years due to the pandemic.
2023
The 70th Magnolia Ball could finally be celebrated, after cancellations in the previous two years due to the pandemic.
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