This two-part cultural presentation series explores the life and legend of German immigrant and sainted Pennsylvania healer Anna Maria Jung (1744-1819), also known as Mountain Mary, who has become one of the preeminent legendary figures of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Two presentations will explore Mountain Mary’s story through the broader context of Pennsylvania German culture and traditional craft and will connect visitors with a new cultural exhibition entitled “Mountain Mary: Contemporary Visions of the Sainted Healer,” which features contemporary works of art and historic artifacts telling Anna Maria Jung’s story of immigration, farming, healing, and veneration. Together, the presentations and exhibition with highlight how Mountain Mary remains a symbol of the region’s folk culture even two centuries since her death. The series is a collaborative effort presented by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany New York, the Kutztown Folk Festival, and the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, Kutztown University.

The event will open with a welcome address by Eva Maria Marks, Head of the Press Department, German Consulate General New York, followed by presentations and a Q&A session. Featured presentations will include “Celebrating Mountain Mary: The Art of Folk Craft” by Dr. Joshua R. Brown, Professor of German & Linguistics, at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and recipient of the 2014 National Excellence in Teaching Award from the German Embassy and the American Association of Teachers of German. Patrick Donmoyer, director of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University and recipient of the 2021 Archie Green Public Folklore Advocacy Award by the American Folklore Society will present “Anna Maria Young: Sainted Healer of the Oley Valley.”

There will be light refreshments for attendees and the exhibition space will be fully accessible before presentations begin, during intermission, and after the Q&A. This is a ticketed event and space is limited.

Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center

The Delight E. Breidegam Building, Room 104

15155 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530

Sunday, March 19, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Doors open at 1:30PM

Info: https://www.pagerman.org/mtmary/

Tickets: https://kutztownfolkfestival.thundertix.com/