Though Cullman has wrapped up its annual Oktoberfest, it doesn’t mean we have to pause our appreciation for Cullman’s heritage. While festivals are an exciting way to explore tradition, we can all continue learning about the foundation that Cullman was built on with the many resources available.
The Cullman County Public Library, during the recent festivities, created a German-themed display that allows visitors to learn different aspects of our heritage. The display ranges from cookbooks, travel guides, learning the language and fiction novels set in Germany.
The cookbooks (“The German Cookbook” by Mimi Sheraton and “German Christmas Cookbook” by Laura Sommers) offer a nice way for families to not only support the library, but also explore new recipes and start conversations about the dishes in comparison to our own. Perhaps spending time together as a family to try new recipes could establish a newfound tradition.
If you’re not much of a chef and don’t have the time to pick up a new language, the fiction novels offer a great way to appreciate the German setting while simply getting lost in a book.
“The Pint of No Return” is a mystery novel, as part of the “Sloan Krause Mystery Series” by Ellie Alexander. The story takes place during Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian-themed alpine city. This follows Krause’s investigation of a celebrity murdered shortly after arriving in the area.
“The Wurst is Yet to Come” by Mary Daheim is the 27th addition to the author’s “Bed-and-Breakfast” mystery series. The story takes place in Bavaria during, you guessed it, Oktoberfest! Though the discovery of a corpse threatens the upcoming festivities.
Not much of a reader? Head on down to the Cullman County Museum! There you will find a variety of carefully coordinated displays revealing Cullman’s founding along with its founder, Colonel John Gottfried Cullmann.
You can view traditional attire worn by early German settlers and even musical instruments and pieces from their homes. Each room contains a different element of tradition that changes with the season. So, if you haven’t visited the museum be sure to go – and go often!
Throughout the holidays there will be a change of displays, which makes for an enjoyable, educational experience. There are also sound boards that feature German hymns and an interactive storybook wall in surrounding rooms.
The Cullman County Museum is located at 211 Second Ave. NE. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Cullman County Public Library is located at 200 Clark St. NE. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
