About Germany (view map) Population: 81.3 million Languages: German (official) Main religions: Protestant (34%), Roman Catholic (34%), Unaffiliated (28%), Muslim (4%) About German-Americans Local population: About 45,000 of German ancestry Why they came here: German immigrants in the 1800s were seeking work at the area's textile mills or positions as skilled craftsmen or farmers. When they came: German immigrants were some of the first Europeans to settle in the Mohawk Valley, and German military leaders such as Gens. Herkimer and Steuben played an important role in the Revolutionary War. More Germans moved to the area in the 1800s. More resources: "News from the Land of Freedom: German Immigrants Write Home," by Walter Kamphoefner "Hopeful Journeys: German Immigration, Settlement and Political Culture in Colonial America," by Aaron Spencer Fogleman From left: Utica Maennerchor members Ray Beck, who is wearing his singer's uniform, Karl Schmidt, who is also a singer, and Fred Schwenzfeier, a former singer, gather with their wives for a meal and singing at the club's second Liederabend "Sing-a-Long" on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Credit:Jason Rossi/Observer-Dispatch

Two members of the Utica Maennerchor carry in the ceremonial barrel of beer for the annual Bavarian Festival. Credit: Lisa Kapps Learn how the Utica Maennerchor is helping to keep German heritage alive locally feed widget