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Connecting the Old World with the New, since 1764
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About The German Society of Pennsylvania
Since its founding in 1764, The German Society of Pennsylvania has served Philadelphia's German community. Between the 1680s and the American Revolution, the majority of an estimated 100,000 German-speaking immigrants coming to North America settled in Pennsylvania, making up a third of Philadelphia's population by the 1760s. These immigrants often arrived in a miserable state after long sea voyages known for unhealthy conditions. In response to their plight, on December 26, 1764, sixty-five prominent German colonists established an organization "for the relief of distressed Germans."
reserve your seat for our biggest fundraiser of the year!
Stiftungsfest Gala 2025
The time has come once again to polish the champagne flutes and mark your calendars for the German Society’s most elegant evening of the year —
Stiftungsfest
On
Saturday, November 1, 2025
, we will commemorate the founding of the German Society of Pennsylvania with our
261st Annual Stiftungsfest Gala
We hope you’ll join us in raising a glass to our enduring legacy — from supporting German immigrants in centuries past to promoting German-American culture and community today.
This festive black-tie evening will include a
formal dinner, dancing, and our beloved silent auction
, all in support of the Society’s year-round educational and cultural programming.
Tickets
are
$195 per person
, with a special
Young Professionals rate of $95
(for guests age 35 and under).
Get Tickets Here
Sponsorship Packages
Support our Façade Restoration Project
For more than 130 years, 611 Spring Garden Street has been more than just a building. It has been a symbol of the German Society of Pennsylvania's rich history, hosting countless concerts, language classes, cultural events, and gatherings. This building has been the heart of our community, providing a gathering space for German culture and connections through the generations.
But now, time has taken its toll. The exterior façade, windows, and structural elements of our historic building are in urgent need of repair. We are facing significant renovations that are critical to preserve our home for future generations. The estimated cost of these repairs stands around $2,000,000.
Thankfully, through the generosity of outside grants and commitments, we have already secured almost $1,000,000. We are actively seeking additional funding from government organizations and foundations to cover another $500,000. However, the final $500,000 must come from within--our members. It is up to us to protect and maintain the building that has served as our cultural home since 1888.
Upcoming Events
Every week, something fun is happening. Lectures, Panel Discussions, Movies, German soccer broadcasts, and music fill our home on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia.
Wandern at the Willows!
April 25, 2026
11:00 AM
View Event
Biergarten POPUP – Celebrate May Day the German Way
May 01, 2026
6:00 PM
View Event
Wine & Classical Music Pairing
May 03, 2026
1:00 PM
View Event
View All Events
Membership
The German Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1764, is the oldest German organization in the United States. It was founded to protect German immigrants from unscrupulous shipping agents and to ensure just treatment on their arrival here.
Donations
The German Society of Pennsylvania continues to offer new and different programs as well as various cultural experiences with the help of dedicated and generous members and volunteers.
Support provided by
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
The German Society of Pennsylvania is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization
(215) 627-2332
info@germansociety.org
611 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
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