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History of the Junior League of Indianapolis
In the fall of 1921, ten women established the Junior League of Indianapolis to promote voluntarism in our city. Throughout its history, the Junior League of Indianapolis has sought to demonstrate the effectiveness of trained volunteers through a wide range of projects and community activities. From the first efforts to equip and maintain the Occupational Therapy Department at Riley Hospital, to current efforts on behalf of women, children, older adults and the city of Indianapolis, the League has served as a catalyst in the community by bringing together other organizations and groups for action.
The Junior League of Indianapolis is part of an international organization representing more than 180,000 women in 274 Leagues in the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Mexico. Founded in 1921, the Association of Junior Leagues International promotes voluntarism in the international community by serving as a training resource and clearing house of information for member Leagues, by advocating at the national level, and by developing service projects which can be replicated by local Leagues.
Long committed to historic preservation, the Junior League of Indianapolis is proud to be headquartered in a landmark building. Built in 1904 by renowned architect Bernard Vonnegut, the Schnull-Rauch House is one of the few remaining examples of French Romanesque architecture in Indianapolis. It was acquired by the Junior League of Indianapolis in 1979 from John G. Rauch, Jr. The house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a stabilizing influence on the North Meridian corridor, reminds us of our heritage, and helps place us in the perspective of time.