Walther League Museum Exhibit

Honoring a Cherished LCMS Institution

How can we honor the lasting legacy of the Walther League? With a Walther League Museum Exhibit!

In 2024, Concordia Historical Institute will begin planning and execution of an exhibit on-site at our St. Louis archives and museum honoring the Walther League. The Walther League was a youth and young people’s organization within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod from 1893–1968. Walther League provided opportunities for young people to have fellowship with one another, participate in volunteer activities, worship together, and more for over six decades, and it was a cherished and significant part of the lives of the participants. Jokingly referred to as the “marriage bureau” of Synod, the Walther League was a key place for younger people to meet and form lasting friendships. (And yes, even many marriages too!)

In the 1960s, in the midst of growing theological rifts that would eventually result in the 1974 Concordia Seminary Walkout, the Walther League majorly restructured and rebranded to focus on political causes popular with young people of the day. In 1977, the Walther League ceased to be a recognized auxiliary organization of the LCMS. Nevertheless, its presence has been missed by many. Its legacy of raising up and encouraging Lutheran young people is still felt by those “Leaguers” still with us.

For this reason, Concordia Historical Institute will be treasuring and trumpeting our heritage of the Walther League through an upcoming exhibit. Drawing from our vast archival, photographic, and multimedia collections on the Walther League, as well as from hours of oral history interviews conducted with former members, we are excited to offer this as a touchstone of Lutheran history to commemorate our past and inspire our future.

Our Hands, Your Help

But to do so, we need your help! We are looking for individuals and organizations willing to partner with us to create this exhibit and further the mission of CHI. We anticipate a financial need of $20,000 to make this exciting project a reality. Your gifts allow us to finance museum exhibits like this, which will provide much-needed historical education for our church and the general public. 

Become a Partner in the Walther League Museum Exhibit Project

Support Concordia Historical Institute in creating a museum exhibit honoring the Walther League today with a one-time financial gift. Make your most generous gift today at https://concordiahistoricalinstitute.givecloud.co/.