By 1934, Milwaukee was home to many diverse Croatian organizations. Recognizing the need for a unified corporate body to pool resources, coordinate activities, and promote Croatian culture and language, twenty-three of these groups joined forces on March 26, 1934, to create an umbrella organization named Hrvatska Sredişnjica. Among the founding members were Croatian Fraternal Union lodges (Milwaukee 261, West Allis 392, Vanguards 807, Jednakost 391, and Nada 255); Croatian Catholic Union lodges (St. Anthony 12, St. Joseph 20, and Marija Bistrica 36); the parishes of Sacred Heart and St. Augustine; Hrvatska Seljačka Stranka; Hrvatska Žena Lodge 3; First Croatian Ladies Benefit Society; Croatian Eagles Soccer Club; Hrvatski Sokol; Hrvatska Plesačka Grupa; Pjevačko društvo Sveta Cecilija; Tamburaški Zbor Sloboda; Pjevački Zbor Zagreb; Tamburaški Zbor Hrvatske Kćeri; Kolo Sin i Kćeri; and Pjevački Zbor Sloboda.

On November 16, 1938, the Hrvatska Sredişnjica officially filed its Articles of Incorporation with the State of Wisconsin, adopting the name Croatian Central Committee, Inc. Legal documents identify Joseph Wodvarka, Michael E. Sostarich, and Matt Dudovich as the primary incorporators, with legal counsel provided by Attorney Edward T. Berkanovich. Beyond administrative coordination, the Federation sponsored a popular yearly picnic. While these gatherings initially took place at Arcadian Park, many delegates longed for a "Hrvatska zemlja"—a Croatian land of their own. By 1954, the Federation began setting aside funds to purchase land for a future park and soccer grounds.

In October 1956, Treasurer Michael F. Benesch reported that after years of careful planning, the Federation had accumulated $5,000 for the project. On October 11, 1956, a 20-acre tract was purchased for $15,000. With John Rupena acting as surety, the Federation secured a $10,000 loan from Marine Capital Bank to finalize the sale. Transforming the undeveloped land required immense effort; numerous Croatian organizations and individuals volunteered their time to clear and level the site for a park, picnic area, and soccer grounds.

The grand opening of Croatian Park in 1957 was a festive milestone. Croatian Americans gathered to celebrate their heritage, enjoying traditionally roasted lamb, suckling pig, chicken, and broiled sausages, all paired with Milwaukee’s finest brews.

In 1959, marking the Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson proclaimed the July picnic at Croatian Park as the official "American-Croatian Day" in the state of Wisconsin. Similar proclamations followed in 1978 by Acting Governor Martin Schreiber and Milwaukee County Executive William O’Donnell. For the 50th anniversary in 1984, Governor Anthony Earl again designated July 29th as American Croatian Day, calling upon all citizens to join the celebration.

The first official Croatian Day featured a grand parade from Milwaukee to Arcadian Park. Each organization created a decorated float, and participants proudly wore traditional Croatian costumes. It was a vibrant display of heritage and pride. Since those early years, American Croatian Day has been a staple July celebration at Croatian Park.

Expansion continued in 1980 when the Federation purchased an additional 10 acres directly south of Croatian Park for $15,000—the same price paid for the original 20 acres 25 years prior. This land was acquired from the Standard Oil Company, which offered the favorable price in recognition of the Federation’s positive community impact. This new space allowed the Croatian Eagles Soccer Club and the Federation to fill swampy areas and develop additional parking and soccer fields. Today, Croatian Park boasts five regulation-size soccer fields, which can be configured for up to six fields during major tournaments.

It is impossible to fully catalog the Federation’s countless activities since its inception in 1934. For decades, it has provided vital moral and financial support to various organizations within Milwaukee’s Croatian community. While many individuals have contributed over the years, the bold purchase of the original land in 1956 remains one of the Federation’s greatest achievements.

The officers behind that historic step were:
President: Louis Rukavina
First Vice-President: Ante Ruzic
Second Vice-President: Steve Dejanovic
Secretary: Slavica (Savica) Modrijan
Second Secretary: Andjelko Mihaljevic
Treasurer: Anna Sziebel
Second Treasurer: Anna Rukavina
Supervisory Committee: Martin Rukavina, Steve Adamovic, and Steve Skender
Educational Committee: Josephine Burazin, Steve Weber, Helen Dejanovic, Sophie Petek, and Manda Grgezic

Today, the Federation continues its mission through its member groups: Sacred Heart Church, St. Augustine Church, American Croatian Radio Club, Croatian Eagles Soccer Club, United American Croatians, Croatian Fraternal Union Lodges (Silver Strings 1959 and West Allis 392), and the Silver Strings/Hrvatska Bura/Milwaukee Croatian Tamburitzans (MCT)/Graničari Orchestras.