German Society Of Pennsylvania — Attraction in Philadelphia

Yesterday, I attended a wedding at the German Society of Pennsylvania (GSP), a place that exudes history, elegance, and a certain timeless charm. The venue was breathtaking—polished wood floors, delicate chandeliers, and the kind of Old World beauty that wraps you in a sense of tradition. It felt like stepping into another era, where every detail whispered of the past. But as a Polish woman, there’s something about this place that I couldn’t fully shake—an uncomfortable echo of history that lingered beneath the celebration.

The GSP has been a cornerstone for the German-American community in Philadelphia since 1764. On the surface, it’s a space for cultural exchange, a gathering point for those wishing to preserve and celebrate German heritage. Yet, as I admired the sparkling newelpost light chandelier in the center of the room, I couldn’t ignore the darker chapter in its history. In the 1930s and 1940s, the GSP, like other German-American organizations, was known to have Nazi sympathizers within its ranks. This wasn’t some isolated event—it was a concerted effort to support the regime, with rallies, literature, and pro-Germany sentiment flowing from within these very walls.

As a Polish woman, that history hit me hard. My ancestors, like so many others, suffered unimaginable horrors under Nazi occupation. The very regime that once found support in places like the GSP tore apart my homeland, taking lives, homes, and hope. I couldn’t help but think of that as I stood there in the midst of a wedding, surrounded by beauty and joy. The thought of a place that once housed people sympathetic to the Nazi cause now hosting a celebration of love felt like a bittersweet irony. It’s hard not to reflect on the scars left by those who stood against my people, even as I participated in the celebration unfolding before me.

But I wasn’t here to condemn the space. I was here for the wedding—the kind of moment that makes you appreciate the present, even with the weight of history in the background. As I waited for a coke at the bar (breastfeeding meant no wine for me), I couldn’t help but admire the strength of the love I was witnessing. The couple was radiant, and the atmosphere was full of warmth. I lost myself in the joy of the evening, dancing with my husband to Michael Jackson’s “PYT,” laughing and celebrating with family and friends. It was easy to forget, for a few moments, the heavy layers of the building’s past.

Still, I couldn’t entirely shake the history. As I touched up my lipstick in the lower-level bathroom, I found myself reflecting on the resilience of my people—how we fought not just for survival, but for freedom. The Polish-American community, unlike some of the German-American sympathizers at the time, was working hard to resist, to send aid to our homeland, to fight for justice and for the lives of our people. That struggle felt far removed from the grandeur of the building around me, but it was deeply personal. The GSP, once a stronghold for Nazi sympathizers, now stood as a reminder of just how far we’ve come, and how much more we still need to reckon with.

I returned to the ballroom, where the sounds of laughter and music filled the air, and I couldn’t help but be reminded of the power of resilience. Yes, this building had seen rallies that supported my people’s oppressors. Yes, it had been a site of pain and hate. But here, today, it was alive with joy, with love, with a celebration that felt far removed from the dark days of the past.

I continued to nibble on coconut shrimp hors d’oeuvres, savoring the small moments of happiness that weddings bring. As my husband and I danced, I found myself reflecting on how we continue to move forward, even in places weighed...

We had our wedding ceremony in the library at the German Society this past weekend and it was phenomenal! Liesl was incredibly helpful, responsive, and reliable. She made the process easy and took the time to walk us through each step. Furthermore, she went above and beyond to help us set up the space ahead of time. We were so grateful for the way she handled everything during the stress of wedding planning! Furthermore, the library was a beautiful and meaningful spot for our ceremony. There is a tremendous amount of history tucked away on the may bookcases. Overall, we could not be more happy with our...

Beautiful building. The library has such a rustic look about it. Also, the President of the German Society is very humble. I asked him, "is your position to make sure everything runs smoothly?" His response, "In theory, yes. The truth is, there's a bunch of volunteers who actually tell me what to do because they've been here longer than I have, so I don't mind washing forks and spoons"... (He was cleaning the kitchen). ...