CLASS
NOTES
24
TOWER
|
Winter 2013
PATRICK DONMOYER’S ’09
research has taken him down every
road in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The site manager, building
conservator and exhibit specialist for the Pennsylvania German
Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, Donmoyer has
spent the past five years investigating the prevalence and signifi-
cance of barn stars in Southeastern Pa. Also known as hex signs,
the stars, characterized by geometric designs, intricate spirals
and explosions of vibrant color, are unique cultural artifacts that
reflect the Pennsylvania Dutch fascination with celestial activity.
Donmoyer, who majored in studio art and fine crafts, with
concentrations in printmaking and textiles, and minored in
Pennsylvania German studies, discovered that the signs serve
as artistic and cultural emblems.
“As an artist, I’m drawn to geometry and interested in
symbolism,” revealed Donmoyer. “To have a resource like this
in Berks County — to be able to see hex signs in public — is
unique. It’s really amazing art, but there are not that many
places in the U.S. where you can see them. None of the hex signs
are signed; they represent a people and not an individual artist.
I’ve dabbled with painting them myself.”
KU’s resident expert on all facets of Pa. Dutch culture, Donmoyer
has discovered more than 400 signs in Berks County alone. Prior
to his investigation, people believed there were only 200 surviv-
ing signs in the county. Today, he continues to take photos of
local barns to map the local landscape and document any barn
renovations that might be taking place.
This attention to detail is illustrated in all of his research.
When translating “The Friend in Need,” an early 19th century Pa.
Dutch folk-healing manual, he created a typeface to correspond
with the typeface of the original manuscript.
“I’ve always wanted to learn more about my ancestors,”
said Donmoyer, who has Pa. Dutch heritage. “It’s still alive in
Berks County. Many aspects of the culture have largely disap-
peared, especially their earlier practices and perception of the
world. My research attempts to remedy this.”
Donmoyer pursues the task of reviving public and scholarly
interest in Pa. Dutch folk art with seemingly endless energy. If he
isn’t working on the heirloom kitchen garden at the center, conduct-
ing research or working on his next book, then he’s scouring eBay
and other venues to rediscover lost manuscripts and private diaries.
One original manuscript unearthed by Donmoyer contained hun-
dreds of handpainted hex sign designs. Inspired by the discovery,
Donmoyer revived the hex signs exhibit during the
2013 annual Kutztown Folk Festival, giving new life to
a display that had vanished more than 40 years ago.
“Finding ways this culture can be celebrated is really
important,” Donmoyer explained. “There’s meaning in
it for everyone — whether it’s recognizing your own
diversity or being able to reconnect with your own heri-
tage. I’ve learned new perspectives on how the world
works. My hope is that my own work will inform how other
people perceive the Pa. Dutch culture.”
At only 28, Donmoyer has been invited to give more
than 50 presentations on his research and has two books
under his belt. His latest publication, “Myth and
Meaning in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars,” boasts a
special forward by Dr. Don Yoder, the world’s fore-
most authority on Pennsylvania folklife. In the
future, Donmoyer hopes to expand on his
research and further investigate visual symbol-
ism in the Pa. Dutch culture.
“I plan to expand beyond barn stars,” he said.
“Something that hasn’t been done is compre-
hensively connecting symbolic themes present
in the culture. Examining early graffiti, for example,
might uncover marks not intended for the light
of day. I’m also interested in personal artwork in
private diaries, elaborately decorated tombstones
and translating local folk healing manuscripts.”
In 2008, when Donmoyer began his journey into
the world of folk life and art, he was told that Pa.
Dutch traditions were dying. However, he discovered
that old barn stars were actually being repainted,
not destroyed. Today, the excitement generated by
Donmoyer’s presentations, publications and growing
scholarly attention to the field of Pa. Dutch studies
ensures the perpetuation of this unique culture and
its intriguing artifacts.
Preserving Pennsylvania’s German Heritage
“As an artist, I’m drawn
to
geometry
and interested
in
symbolism
.”
—PATRICK DONMOYER ’09
