The German Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The oldest German American organization in the US was founded Dec. 26, 1764, in Philadelphia to provide legal aid, welfare, and language support to German immigrants. Its library, containing one of the nation's largest German collections, is used by the public and scholars world-wide. The Society moved here in 1888 and continues to preserve German culture and heritage through language instruction, as well as music and educational programs.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded the day after Christmas in 1764, the German Society of Pennsylvania is the oldest German American organization in the country, created to give newly arrived German immigrants legal aid, welfare, and help with the English-speaking world around them. Over time it built a library that grew into one of the largest German-language collections in America, prized by scholars worldwide. The Society settled into its present Philadelphia home in 1888 and still teaches the language and celebrates the culture.
Why it matters
For more than two and a half centuries the Society has helped generations of German immigrants find their footing in America, embodying the immigrant mutual-aid tradition that shaped so many of the nation's communities.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center0.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.7 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.7 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.8 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Philly Gun Range0.2 mi away · North Percy Street
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.6 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.6 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.7 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Elfreth's Alley0.7 mi away
- President's House0.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.7 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'0.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.8 mi away
- Bubble Tea Room0.8 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.8 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City0.6 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.7 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.7 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.7 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
St. John Neumann
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1981
This Philadelphia site holds the remains of John Neumann, a Bohemian-born priest who arrived in America in 1836 and rose to become the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. A tireless Redemptorist, he built the nation's first Catholic diocesan school system, laying groundwork that would educate generations of immigrant children. Canonized in 1977, he became the first male American saint.
Thomas E. Cahill (1828-1878)
Philadelphia, PA · est. 2009
Thomas E. Cahill rose from a poor immigrant family and, denied a secondary education himself, resolved that others would not be. His bequest founded Roman Catholic High School for Boys, which opened in Philadelphia in 1890 as the first free Catholic high school in the United States. The school became the seed of a diocesan high-school system that spread as a model across the country.
America's First Lager
Philadelphia, PA · est. 2001
In 1840 John Wagner carried lager yeast from Bavaria to Philadelphia and brewed what is remembered as the first true lager beer in the United States. Unlike the heavier ales then common, lager was cold-fermented and crisp, and it caught on quickly as waves of German immigrants brought both a taste for it and the skill to make it. Their breweries multiplied through the 19th century, helping build one of America's great industries.
Nicola Monachesi (c. 1795-1851)
Philadelphia, PA · est. 2017
Trained in Italy and drawn to the growing American republic, Nicola Monachesi brought the old-world art of fresco painting to Philadelphia in the 1830s, among the first to practice it on this side of the Atlantic. His brushwork adorned grand homes, Catholic churches, and civic landmarks such as the Merchants' Exchange, blending European craft with a young nation's aspirations. The rare surviving ceiling frescoes at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church still testify to his skill.