By: Jen Travis, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Attending the 2024 German American Heritage Foundation Gala was truly a night to remember! Held at the beautiful Organization of American States building in Washington, D.C., this year’s gala celebrated not only the rich German American culture and heritage but also honored the inspirational travel TV host Samantha Brown as the 2024 Distinguished German American of the Year. As a guest of AmaWaterways, I had the incredible opportunity to witness this special occasion firsthand while also getting the opportunity to meet and connect with Samantha Brown during the event.
For those who may not know Samantha Brown, she’s best known as the host of Places to Love on PBS, a series dedicated to exploring unique destinations around the world, highlighting the culture, cuisine, and community that make each place special. With a background in musical theater, Samantha originally set out on a different path but found her true calling in travel, where her love for storytelling shines. Her long career spans 25 years, and she has clocked over 33,000 hours exploring the world—a true ambassador for global discovery.
One of the most memorable moments from the night was hearing Samantha say, “Don’t just enjoy the exclamation marks of a destination but also enjoy the commas.” It was a wonderful reminder that travel is not only about seeing the iconic landmarks or checking items off a list; it’s also about savoring the quieter moments, the ones that reveal the soul of a place. This sentiment resonates deeply with the experience of river cruising, where each bend in the river reveals new scenery, and every stop provides an authentic glimpse into the local culture.
The evening was also a celebration of German American heritage, with the gala helping to fund the foundation’s mission: “preserving, educating, and promoting the cultural heritage of Americans of German-speaking ancestry.” During October’s German Heritage Month, this event shines a light on the importance of cultural education and connection. The German American Heritage Foundation continues to be a strong advocate for cultural preservation and public policy issues that affect German Americans.
Samantha is not only a distinguished honoree but also the godmother of the AmaMagna, AmaWaterways’ largest river cruise ship, and a true symbol of her dedication to sharing the joys of travel. In partnership with AmaWaterways, Places to Love reaches countless viewers, inspiring them to explore both familiar and lesser-known corners of the world. Samantha’s travels have taken her to destinations such as Texas, Canada, Ireland's Northwest Coast, China, Bern Region, Switzerland, and Ireland to name a few. In fact Season 8 of Places to Love will feature some unique towns in the heart of Germany.
Samantha shared another powerful insight during the evening: “When we travel right, we are meeting people face to face.” This beautifully captures the purpose of meaningful travel, which allows us to form connections that transcend language and culture. As AmaWaterways puts it, “Ocean cruises bring you to a country, where a river cruise takes you through a country.” This immersive, personal style of travel is exactly what makes river cruising so special. River cruises are a great way to explore a destination while getting a truly unique and authentic experience.
It was a privilege to witness this night of celebration, inspiration, and heritage. Thank you, AmaWaterways, for the opportunity to be part of such a memorable evening honoring the remarkable Samantha Brown!
