Gottscheer Clubs
Preserving Heritage, Celebrating Community
Welcome to the vibrant world of Gottscheer Clubs — a proud tapestry of tradition, camaraderie, and cultural devotion. From choirs and fraternal societies to dance troupes and sporting groups, each club brings its own page in the ongoing story of Gottscheer heritage. Whether you’re drawn to song, dance, fellowship, or simply preserving the legacy of our ancestors, there’s a place here for you.
Gottscheer Relief Association
The Gottscheer Relief Association was officially incorporated in the State of New York on April 15,1946, to provide relief efforts to our fellow Gottscheers in Europe during and after World War II. Founder and first President Adolf Schauer, along with the Board of Directors selected from existing Gottscheer organizations, began collecting clothing and money to be sent to Europe in the hopes that it would reach our Gottscheer families and friends who were dealing with the aftermath of the war. To continue funding these relief efforts, the first Gottscheer Volksfest was held on June 29, 1947 as a fundraising event for the Gottscheer Relief Association, and it continues to be held on the first Sunday of June each year where we crown Miss Gottschee since 1964.
To this day, the Gottscheer Relief Association is the umbrella organization for all Gottscheer clubs. Our ongoing focus is to preserve and maintain our culture, customs and language in memory of our ancestors.
All inquiries can be directed to Sonia Juran Kulesza at 347.495.2595 or via email at [email protected]
Gottscheer Männerchor
The Gottscheer Männerchor was founded in 1900 by a group of men looking to keep their Gottscheer traditions and music alive in New York. The choir is one of the oldest Gottscheer clubs in the U.S. and one of the oldest German men’s choirs in the U.S. Over the years, the choir has had countless performances at Gottscheer Hall, sung at numerous Gottscheer Treffens, and performed in Germany and Austria. The choir works closely with the Women’s Chorus and together have recorded 2 albums. They are always looking for new members and look forward to seeing the choir continue on for generations to come!
Contact: Thomas Stalzer [email protected]
Social Media: FB: https://www.facebook.com/gottscheerchorus
Instagram: Gottscheer_Chorus
Gottscheer Kranken Unterstützungs Verein
The Gottscheer KUV was founded April 24,1901 for the purpose of helping Gottscheer immigrants assimilate into the mainstream USA. In particular, following WWI and WWII, the KUV, in cooperation with the newly formed Gottscheer Relief Association, was able to provide appropriate aid to our countrymen in Gottschee.Goals of the group include preserving traditions of Gottscheer culture and customs, as well continuing to promote mutual support to its’ members, specifically during hospitalization, rehabilitative care, and in the event of the death of a member. As of 1978, the KUV started awarding an annual college scholarship to eligible members.Over $40,000 has been awarded to date.
For additional info, email Fred Hoefferle at [email protected] or [email protected]
Gottscheer Vereinigung
Since its founding in 1935, the Gottscheer Vereinigung has operated as a men’s fraternal sick benefit society, providing sick benefits to its members and death benefits to their widows or beneficiaries. We currently have 49 members. We meet monthly, have an annual dinner dance and a Christmas Dinner. Applicants must be men of Gottscheer descent between 18 & 55 years of age and known to the Society.
Contact info: [email protected]
Deutsch Gottscheer Gesangverein
The Deutsch-Gottscheer Gesangs Verein is a women’s choir that began in 1937. The group sings an array of traditional German, Gottscheer, and English songs. Choir practices take place on Saturday mornings at 10am. They are always looking for new members! No previous singing experience is required. The choir sings in conjunction with the men’s choir, The Gottscheer Männerchor. For more information, please email Gillian at [email protected] or call at (917) 710-3924!
Instagram – gottscheer_chorus – https://www.instagram.com/gottscheer_chorus
Facebook – Gottscheer Choruses New York – https://www.facebook.com/gottscheerchorus
Gottscheer Bowling League
The Gottscheer Bowling League was established in 1945. Originally named The Gottscheer Bowling Club, members would head down to Ten Alleys on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, New York, to bowl with friends. Jib Lanes is now the home of the Gottscheer Bowling League, welcoming men and women who would like to be a part of this special community. The bowling league is a stress-free environment where members can enjoy competition, laughter, and interesting conversation. Bowling takes place every Thursday at 7:30pm, September through April.
If you’re interested joining please contact Erich Wagner at [email protected]
Gottscheer Rod & Gun Club
The Gottscheer Rod and Gun Club was incorporated in 1948. The objective of the club was to procure better fishing and hunting for sportsmen and to conserve, restore, and manage the fish, game, and other wildlife. Members purchased property in Rosendale, New York, where they hunted and held yearly club picnics. Years later the property was sold due to reduced hunting opportunities. In 1990 the club purchased a new property in the town of Norway, New York. Located in central New York, in the foothills of the Adirondacks. The club and members own approximately 200 acres, where we have two mobile homes and hunt on the property. Close by there is fishing in the lakes and rivers. In the winter months, a few members go snowmobiling. We continue to hold our annual Jaegerball and participate at the Gottscheer picnic in Franklin Square.
Die Erste Gottscheer Tanzgruppe
Die Erste Gottscheer Tanzgruppe (The First Gottscheer Dance Group) is a cultural folk dance group based in Ridgewood, Queens. They were founded in 1981. Through their performances, they bring to life the vibrant folk dances, music, and customs that reflect the rich heritage of Germany, Austria, and Gottschee. They perform at festivals, Oktoberfests, parades, and a variety of private events. They typically meet for practice bi-monthly on Sunday evenings at Gottscheer Hall and warmly welcome new members to join their club and help preserve the cherished traditions of their ancestors.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/degtanzgruppe/
Gottscheer Gedenkstätte (Memorial Chapel)
The Gottscheer Gedenkstätte (Memorial Chapel) was built as a permanent memorial to all Gottscheers, to honor the lost homeland Gottschee and to remember the victims of both World Wars. The Chapel holds a Gottscheer Archive, Museum, and a Gottscheer Bauernstube (Farmhouseroom). It is our duty to preserve this beautiful Gottscheer Memorial Chapel for future generations to bear witness to our Gottscheer people, their culture, heritage, and history. Please consider becoming a member of the Gottscheer Gedenkstätte. For information contact Elfriede Hoefferle 718-386-6863.
Gottscheer Hall Fishing Club
The Gottscheer Hall Fishing Club (originally the Cozy Corner Fishing Club) was founded in 1988. Over the years, the club has welcomed many members and created lasting memories—especially through its beloved fishing club dances, held twice a year at the Cozy Corner. After a fire made that venue unusable, the festivities found a new home at Gottscheer Hall. In 2014, the original founders passed the reins to the next generation: Joe Kikel (President), Steve Poje (VP), Anthony Giannotti (Treasurer), and George Kunkel (Secretary). Today, with 29 active members, the Gottscheer Hall Fishing Club continues to celebrate community, tradition, and the joy of fishing—one dance at a time.