LINCOLN SQUARE — DANK Haus, the German American Cultural Center, sent out an S.O.S. online.
In the midst of creating an oral history archive, organizers are desperate for a name that's jazzier than the working title, "Legacy Project."
"Help name the project!" came the cry over Facebook. "Preferably one in German!"
Should you choose to accept the challenge (perhaps with an assist from Google Translate), here's what you're naming: DANK is gathering photos and transcribing oral histories of its 15 senior German-born members, both from the pre- and post-WWII immigration waves.
The goal is to share not only these individuals' stories but to demonstrate through their lives the common immigrant themes of struggle and triumph.
DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., intends to revisit the project annually and encourage the participation of future generations.
In soliciting names, DANK pointed potential entrants toward a similar project created by the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., with an enviable moniker.
The Greeks' choice was obvious and inspired: a writer who knows something about chronicling the experience of wanderers in strange lands but about whom, ironically, precious little is known. Homer.
So that's your creative brief — find the German equivalent of Homer.
Post submissions to DANK's Facebook page or email to dank@dankhaus.com.
