Founded in 1884 as the Omaha Plattdeutscher Verein, the German-American Society has been an integral part of Omaha, Nebraska's cultural fabric for nearly 140 years. What began with a small group of individuals from Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein has grown into a thriving community organization committed to preserving German heritage and traditions. The Society's journey reflects the resilience of its members, who maintained the organization through challenging periods including World War I, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War II.
The organization's evolution mirrors Omaha's own growth and diversity. In 1950, the Society changed its name from the Omaha Plattdeutscher Verein to the German-American Society to reflect its expanding membership, which came to include Germans from throughout the country, not just Northern Germany. Today, the German-American Society serves as a welcoming community hub where people of all backgrounds can learn about and celebrate German culture. The historic clubhouse, built in 1908 and inscribed with the motto "Von den Deutschen, für die Deutschen" (From the Germans, for the Germans), continues to host cultural events, sub-club activities, and community gatherings. By maintaining traditions while embracing new members and perspectives, the German-American Society in Omaha remains dedicated to building connections and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Omaha, NE