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 granite paver sidewalk for 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!
A New Visitor's Center!
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 and support of our programs help make the New Visitor's Center a reality.
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.
