Frohes (Happy) Oktoberfest! This September, we’re proud to spotlight the German-American Society.
Founded in Omaha in 1883 (a whopping 143 years ago), the German-American Society is a huge part of the Omaha community. What began as a small group with shared heritage has evolved into a vibrant organization where traditions are not just remembered, but lived out. Their yearly Oktoberfest celebration (coming up on the weekend of September 18th) is just one of the many ways they engage the community.
We are incredibly proud to have the German-American society as a Core Bank customer, and had the opportunity to interview Michael Olk, Cultural Director, Historian, and Oktoberfest chairman. Society members Dina, Public Relations Director, and Laurie, volunteer & former Office Manager, also provided us with information about the society’s activities and upcoming events.
More Than a Club: A Living Cultural Center
Since 1884, the German-American Society has been dedicated to preserving and sharing German heritage, language, traditions and community in Omaha. What began as the Omaha Plattdeutscher Verein has grown into one of the region’s leading cultural organizations, offering opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about and experience German culture. Today, the Society brings its mission to life through music, dance, language education, festivals, community service, cultural preservation and lifelong friendships.
The Society’s impact extends beyond hosting events. Members work to preserve the stories and traditions that helped shape Omaha’s German-American community. For example, a brewers support organization originally formed in 1896 by employees of Omaha breweries such as Storz, Metz and Krug has been revived within the Society, allowing a new generation of homebrewers to share techniques and learn the craft. Another member discovered references to relatives in a club minute book dating back to 1874 through the Society’s museum and historian, creating a personal connection to Omaha’s past.
That commitment to preserving history while creating new traditions continues to bring generations together, whether through educational programs, cultural celebrations or community events like Oktoberfest.
Clubs, Classes, and Activities at the German-American Society
Membership in the German-American Society goes far beyond attending events. Members have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sub-organizations, clubs, and activity groups that celebrate German culture, heritage, education, fellowship, and community service.
Whether your interests include singing, dancing, brewing beer, making wine or sausage, playing cards or board games, learning the German language, cooking traditional German cuisine, folk dancing, gymnastics, student exchange programs, museum preservation, community volunteer work, or cultural performances, there is a place for all adults and children within the Society.
Members can join established groups such as the Bärenbrut (Men’s Club), Die Rosen (Women’s Club), Heimatfreunde (Ladies Club), Sängerchor, Die Singenden Wanderer, Heimat Tänzer, Schützenverein, Brewer’s Klub, Weinverein, Wurst Klub, and Skat Klub. Additional activity groups include the Board Game Club, German language classes, German cooking classes, student exchange programs, children’s gymnastics, puppet theater, Caps for Cancer, Die Narren, Das Männerballet, scholarship programs, and more.
The Society also hosts year-round social gatherings, cultural celebrations, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and signature events including Fasching, Maifest, Schützenfest, Oktoberfest, Christmas in Germany, and other traditional German festivals.
With membership options for individuals, families, students, and active participants, the German-American Society welcomes people of all backgrounds who share an interest in German culture, friendship, and community involvement.
Oktoberfest: A Celebration That Brings People Together
Of course, one of the German-American Society’s best-known traditions is its annual German Day-Oktoberfest.
For someone attending for the first time, the Society has a simple recommendation: come hungry.
“The Food! We have hands down the best German Food out of any German Fest in the Midwest.” says Michael Olk, Oktoberfest Chairman.
But behind the food, music and festivities is a team of volunteers working together to make it all happen. And according to the Society, that camaraderie is one of the best parts of Oktoberfest.
“Everyone works as a team to make our fests the best ever. But we also have a lot of fun doing it. There is always singing and music and joking around while we are working.” – Michael Olk
For more information about the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration that kicks off on September 18th, visit their website’s Upcoming Events Page.
A Banking Relationship: Supporting the Celebration
Core Bank is proud to support organizations that bring people together and contribute to the communities we call home—and our relationship with the German-American Society extends throughout the organization.
“Core Bank has always been there for us for all of our banking needs, especially during our Fests like our upcoming German Day-Oktoberfest.” – Michael Olk
That support includes helping the Society prepare change for its various festival sales areas, while many of its sub-organizations also maintain their checking accounts with Core Bank.
For an organization built around preserving traditions and creating community, it’s a relationship we’re proud to be part of.
Whether you have German heritage, love a great festival or simply want to experience something new, the German-American Society offers plenty of ways to get involved, learn and celebrate.
Learn more about the German-American Society and its upcoming events at germanamericansociety.org.
