Los Angeles Turners, a 501 (c) 3 corporation, founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, has been active in Los Angeles since 1871. Our more than 140 year old mission, A Sound Mind in a Sound Body, inviting participation in activities that enhance the quality of life in an atmosphere of fun, sport and learning as well as benefiting others by sharing prosperity, compassion, culture and friendship.
While Los Angeles’ population was only about 6,000 in 1871, there were already two like-minded Organizations; the Los Angeles Turnverein and the Teutonia-Concordia Turn- und Singverein (which was already founded in 1859). In 1871 these two groups merged, forming the Turnverein Germania, which would eventually be called Los Angeles Turners, a member of the nationwide American Turners and also a co-founder and member of the German-American League in Los Angeles.
Today, the Los Angeles Turners remain strong supporters of German traditions, cultural events and organizations such as the German-American School Association, consisting of more than 20 German Saturday Schools in Southern California facilitating German languages classes for kids and adults.
The Los Angeles Turners also offer German language classes for adults on weekdays. We are also very proud of our fast growing Los Angeles Turners Youth Dance Group that practices every Saturday and performs at various German events throughout the year.
Mission
The purpose of the organization is to advance the mission of A Sound Mind in a Sound Body through fitness; to provide food for those in need, and to preserve and further German and German-American traditions and culture, further the German language through partnerships with both public and private schools as well as maintain a museum to preserve historical artifacts reflecting our participation Los Angeles life from 1871 to the present.
The “Turner Center” in Westchester, on Los Angeles’ West Side, was until 2016 home to our members who participate in social and cultural events, dance evenings, fitness classes, and movie/sports viewing. Fencing, a traditional Turner sport, had a squad that rehearses off-site. The Los Angeles Turners community outreach supports in cooperation with California Outreach Organization worthy causes that reach from schools and universities to feeding the needy.
In September 2021, after a hiatus due to Covid, the Los Angeles Turners opened their new Los Angeles Turners Center with Museum and Turners Learning Center (TLC) at Alpine Village, Suite 150, in Torrance, California. Meanwhile, since the future of Alpine Village itself is unclear, the Museum and TLC will remain closed.
The Board
Alexander Hast
President and Executive DirectorResponsible for curating the LA Turners Museum, coordination of events and activities, and the daily business of the Organization.
Harald Niehenke
Treasurer (CFO)Takes care of the finances of the Non-Profit Organization, including Investments and all other financial business that the Los Angeles Turners have.
Rita Reiff
Corporate SecretaryEnsures efficient administration and compliance with regulatory requirements, and implements decisions made by the Board.