INDIANA GERMAN ​HERITAGE SOCIETY

Vision:
The vision of the Indiana German Heritage Society is to be the catalyst for the preservation and celebration of the state’s German-American heritage, and to support groups and communities in activities that coincide with our mission. 
Mission:
The mission of the Indiana German ​Heritage Society is to understand, promote, and celebrate the contributions of German-speaking immigrants and their descendants to the multi-cultural heritage of the state and the nation.

We are guided by a commitment to learn and an obligation to share our knowledge with accuracy, integrity, and respect for all heritages. 
IGHS - Our Society:
  • Is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating German-American history
  • Seeks to identify, understand, and preserve Indiana's German heritage 
  • Promotes cultural relations with the German-speaking areas of Europe
  • Is non-political. It looks at "German" not in terms of present political boundaries, but in terms of ethnic traditions of culture and language.
 
Willkommen to persons who:
  • Enjoy German culture
  • Have discovered the rich history & traditions of Germany
  • Have German ancestry

You share the interests of the members of the Indiana German Heritage Society.
​
Approximately 25% of persons living in Indiana have German ancestry.

​People from the German speaking regions of Europe helped weave strong threads of German culture into the fabric of Indiana. This influence is found in Hoosier music, art, religion, architecture, sports, and celebrations.
​IGHS non-profit organization:
Our non-profit status means your donations are tax deductible in the amount the law allows. This includes old books, hand-written and pictorial materials, and other artifacts. 

We believe that an understanding of the past illuminates the present and gives vision to the future. The impact of German-Americans on Indiana's development is a story that needs to be told.
​
We are guided by a commitment to learn and an obligation to share our knowledge with accuracy, integrity, and respect for all heritages.
Our Work: Cultivating relationships and cooperating with organizations which share its mission.

​For example:
  • It worked with the Athenaeum Foundation in establishing an Athenaeum museum. This museum showcases Germans in the City of Indianapolis.
  • It has assisted in the preservation of historic structures.
  • It is affiliated with the Max Kade German-American Center of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • IGHS supports the center’s academic activities (teaching, service to community and German Studies, research, publication and dissemination of research results)
  • Collaborated with Indiana Humanities Council to create Germany IN US website:
​             https://liberalarts.indianapolis.iu.edu/giu 
Promoting documentation of Indiana’s German heritage:
  • It aids in the collection and preservation of documents, books, and artifacts
  • Members familiar with old German script used until 1930 hold reading sessions. In these sessions, they translate documents for individuals that have been past down through families. This may provide additional insights into the family’s history. The family also receives recommendations on how to preserve the documents.
  • A quarterly newsletter is published for members of the society.
  • It supports a vigorous publications program in conjunction with the Max Kade German-American Center of IU.
  • Sponsors the Annual Meeting and Symposium 
  • Sponsors a monthly Stammtisch (dinner and program) at the Athenaeum. The general public is invited to attend.
  • Observance of German-American Day, October 6, and promotes its observance statewide
  • Supports Sister City relations and other exchange programs