Federation of German Societies

The Federation of German Societies was originally formed in the late nineteenth century by the various cultural, social, and fraternal organizations of Indianapolis's German-American community. One of its major goals was the preservation of German culture in the city. By 1910 the Federation had 56 member societies. The advent of World War I and the anti-German sentiments it aroused, however, forced the Federation to suspend its operations. The Federation was revived in 1931 with 22 member societies. The Federation purchased 25 acres of land at 8600 S. Meridian Street in 1934 for use as a private park (known as German Park). The park is the site of many of the activities of the Federation and its members. The Federation currently has 12 member societies: German-American Klub, German-American Klub Auxiliary, Greenhouse Growers Association, Heimaths-Preussen-Unterstutzungsverein, Indianapolis Gardeners Benefit Society, Indianapolis Liederkranz, Indianapolis Liederkranz Ladies Society, Indianapolis Maennerchor, Indianapolis Saengerchor, Indianapolis Soccer Club, Indianapolis Vegetable Growers Association, and the South Side Turners.