Concordia University, Nebraska - History Program

10/06/2026

Have a great German-American Day!

08/22/2026

We appreciate his working with our students

08/19/2026

Philip Melanchthon played a key role in the academic and theological reforms in Wittenberg. He also wrote the Augsburg Confession and the Apology to the Confession

August 18, 1520: Philipp Melanchthon married Katharina Krapp in Wittenberg. Katharina was the daughter of Hans Krapp who was the highly esteemed mayor of Wittenberg.

Apparently, Philipp had been determined to live his life as a bachelor. He was fully dedicated to his work and was afraid that domestic life would hinder his teaching and research. His friends, including Martin Luther, totally disagreed. While Luther at this time was avoiding marriage for himself, he realized that a wife was exactly what his friend and colleague needed. He helped to arrange the marriage and was a strong supporter of it.

Philipp and Katharina’s marriage was a happy one. Katharina proved to be a strong support for her husband both emotionally and physically. She stood by him when he faced opposition from the other reformers and nursed him when he was ill.

Philipp and Katharina had four children: Anna, Philipp, Georg, and Magdalene.

For reasons that remain unclear, Katharina and Katie Luther never became good friends. It seems that the Melanchthons initially disapproved of Martin and Katie’s marriage. Speculation has also been raised as to whether Katharina, who was born in a higher social class than Katie, resented a former nun now rising above her socially. The rift was obviously mended between Philipp and the Luthers and the Melanchthon and Luther children were playmates. But the Katies never became close despite all that they had in common.

Katharina Melachthon died in 1557 while Philipp was in Heidelberg furthering the cause of the Reformation.

This painting of Philipp Melanchthon is by Lucas Cranach the Elder

-Rebecca DeGarmeaux for Katie Luther

08/03/2026

07/29/2026

The Great War began on July 28, 1914.

Dr Phillips made this short video of the memorial for the English soldiers who died in that war from Lichfield, England.

07/25/2026

July 25, 1936

To beat the sweltering heat of Nebraska's hottest day ever recorded, residents of Lincoln, Nebraska slept on the lawn of the State Capitol on July 25, 1936.

Temperatures never fell below 91 degrees that day, reaching a high of 115 degrees.

(MacDonald Studio Collection RG2183-1936-725a)

07/13/2026

Zach studied history as one of his teaching subjects

Zachary Kollbaum CO ‘16 GR ‘19 discovered Concordia Nebraska thanks to his mother who “really wanted me to check out the campus.” After touring the university and meeting with coaches and faculty, he

07/10/2026

We thank God through our Lord Jesus Christ for your prayers and financial support

07/04/2026

06/28/2026

The most consequential assassination of a political figure in modern history took place on June 28. Without looking it up, can you name the assassin and his victims?