TRICENTENNIAL FOUNDATION
Tricentennial Foundation
Brief history
A legacy worth carrying forward
The Tricentennial Foundation
The Tricentennial Foundation is a Los Angeles-based German-American nonprofit dedicated to preserving and advancing the history, culture, and contributions of German-Americans in the United States.
History and Leadership
Founded in 1987, the Foundation was co-founded and chaired by Hans W. Eberhard, a respected community leader, author, and advocate for German-American heritage.
Under his leadership, the Foundation helped raise national recognition of German-American contributions and played an important role in the movement that led to the establishment of National German-American Day, observed each year on October 6 and formally recognized in 1987.
Following Hans W. Eberhard’s passing in February 2023, longtime Foundation member Robert Roth assumed the chairmanship and continues this work for future generations.
Our Mission Today
Building on its roots in Los Angeles, the Foundation now works to identify, document, preserve, and protect German-American historic sites, landmarks, buildings, archives, and other places of cultural significance in Los Angeles and across the United States.
Many of these sites face loss through neglect, redevelopment, demolition, or the passage of time. The Foundation’s work helps ensure that the stories and accomplishments of generations of German immigrants and German-Americans remain part of the American historical record.
Through historic preservation, education, research, community outreach, and cultural programs, the Tricentennial Foundation honors the past while strengthening public understanding of German-American heritage today.
Photos
Foundation photo highlights
Videos
More history videos
Explore additional educational video content and historical storytelling from the foundation.
Mission
Supporting culture, learning, and community
Our mission is to support programs and partnerships that preserve German-American history, expand educational access, and strengthen community life through thoughtful cultural engagement.
By investing in people, ideas, and shared experiences, the foundation helps transform historical understanding into lasting public value.
Programs
Programs that serve the mission
Education
Support for educational resources, learning opportunities, and public understanding of German-American history.
Community
Programs that strengthen civic connection, partnerships, and meaningful engagement across generations.
Preservation
Efforts to identify, protect, and preserve sites, records, and stories of lasting cultural significance.
Impact
Built for lasting public value
300+
Years of heritage
A long historical legacy that continues to shape cultural understanding and civic memory.
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Core focus areas
Education, community initiatives, and cultural preservation guide the foundation’s work.
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Shared mission
Every contribution helps preserve stories, support learning, and strengthen public engagement.
The foundation measures success not only by programs delivered, but by the strength of partnerships, the reach of educational resources, and the continuity of cultural memory.
Help sustain the next chapter
Your support helps Tricentennial Foundation expand educational programming, strengthen partnerships, and preserve the stories that connect past and present.
Give through our donation page or connect with us to explore partnership and volunteer opportunities.
