David Seeger’s account of GSP expenses and income for 1820

PRESS: Exilmusik: An Evening of Music and Song Honoring Margaret Darby

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:45:01 GMT

May 14th, 7 PM - 9:30 PM

Exilmusik: An Evening of Music and Song Honoring Margaret Darby
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Barthelmes Auditorium, German Society of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA – The German Society of Pennsylvania invites the public to a moving and memorable evening of Exilmusik on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 PM in the Barthelmes Auditorium. This special concert honors the life and legacy of Margaret Darby, a devoted member and supporter of the society whose passions for language and music left a lasting impact.

Exilmusik explores compositions born from rupture and resilience. During the 1930s and 1940s, groundbreaking composers such as Arnold Schoenberg, Kurt Weill, and Hanns Eisler were forced to flee Nazi Germany. In exile, however, their creativity endured and evolved, producing powerful music shaped by themes of loss, longing and renewal.

The May 14 program features German tenor Michael Müller-Kasztelan and pianist Stefan Bone, both affiliated with the Kammerorchester der Grossregion (KOG), a pan-European orchestra based in Saarbrücken. They will be joined by Philadelphia-based cellist Ulrich Boeckheler and perform works by Schoenberg, Weill, Eisler, as well as other performances reflecting artistic approaches to cope with the loss of home.

This concert is a tribute to Margaret Darby, whose lifelong dedication to language and music makes a Liederabend (song recital) a particularly fitting tribute. The visiting German musicians share a connection to Saarbrücken, the city where Margaret began her studies in German, marking the start of her distinguished career as a simultaneous interpreter.

Through this evening of music, the German Society celebrates Margaret Darby’s legacy and her vision of cultural exchange. Her generous bequest continues to support the society’s mission to explore, preserve and celebrate the German-American experience.

This event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $20 is encouraged.

For more information, please visit the website of the German Society of Pennsylvania.

PRESS: Fans Flock to German Society of Pennsylvania for Eurovision Song Contest Celebrations

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:42:00 GMT

Save the Date: May 16, 2026, 2:30 PM

Philadelphia, Pa. -- The Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s biggest live broadcast music event, will come to a dramatic and music-filled conclusion on May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria. This year, 35 countries will compete and showcase pop, EDM, rap and other genres for a chance to snatch the coveted trophy.

For the third consecutive year, Philadelphia-area fans of this unique contest will gather in the German Society of Pennsylvania's beautiful auditorium to sing along, cheer and root for their favorite performers.

Organized annually by the European Broadcasting Union, Eurovision invites participating countries to submit original songs performed live on stage. Winners are determined through a tele- and jury-voting system in which participating nations award points to their favorite acts. The competition has a long-standing legacy of launching global stars, including Sweden’s ABBA, which won in 1974, and Céline Dion, who represented Switzerland and won in 1988.

Often described as a unique cultural phenomenon, Eurovision continues to captivate audiences worldwide. “It’s the Olympics of pop,” said journalist and Eurovision enthusiast Maiken Scott, a German Society board member. “It's kind of like ‘America’s Got Talent’ but with way more glitter and drama."

The watch party at the German Society is followed by a Europop dance party in the society’s Ratskeller. Last year’s event drew more than 150 attendees, who cheered for songs from Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania and, of course, Germany.

“It is amazing,” said Andreas "Ginger" Copes, a European culture enthusiast. “I used to watch the show back in Germany - mostly with other Germans. Here, I’m surrounded by people from all over the world. Every year, I meet this Swedish woman, and we fall into each other’s arms like we are old friends.”

The contest was started 70 years ago to promote unity and connection in a post-war Europe.

"Eurovision is fabulous, it's fun, it gets very competitive and edgy - it brings out the best in everybody," says Mark McGuigan, president of the German Society of Pennsylvania. "We're excited to welcome all fans and European expats living in the region to our beautiful building to experience this one-of-a-kind event."

For more information about the watch party or to reserve tickets, visitors are encouraged to visit the website of the German Society of Pennsylvania.

Media Contact:
Andreas Copes; acopes@germansociety.org , (215) 627-2332

6th Annual Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:30:22 GMT

Young Talent Shines at the 2026 Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival Medalists’ Recital

On Sunday, March 22, 2026 , the German Society of Pennsylvania proudly hosted the 6th Annual Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival Medalists’ Recital , an inspiring afternoon celebrating some of the region’s most talented young musicians. The recital featured performances by this year’s Silver Medalists , followed by a brief intermission , and concluded with outstanding performances by the Gold Medalists .

From start to finish, the audience was treated to an impressive display of musical artistry, dedication, and passion. Each performer brought something special to the stage, making the afternoon a wonderful celebration of young talent and hard work.

A particularly memorable highlight was the presentation of the Platinum Award for Outstanding Performance to Noelle Struber-Eden , whose exceptional performance brought the recital to a beautiful close.

We would like to offer our deepest thanks to the entire Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival committee for their dedication and support in making this event possible:

Ernie Weiler, VP of Advancement - Board member
Hardy von Auenmueller, President Emeritus and Board member
Ed Cohen, Music Content Creator
Vera Shissel, Music Teacher
Lena Solaiman, Music Teacher
Tatyana Roytshteyn, Music Teacher
Yung-chen Lin, Music Teacher

We are especially grateful to our esteemed judges — Gilya Hodos, Andrew Hoy, Serban Petrescu and Michelle Cosgrove — for sharing their time, expertise, and thoughtful feedback with our participants.

Here are our medalists receiving their medal with Ernie Weiler:

GSP Board Member Maiken Scott Featured in Philadelphia Magazine

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:34:53 GMT

In Conversation with Maiken Scott

We are thrilled to share that Maiken Scott , an active Board Member of the German Society of Pennsylvania, was recently featured in Philadelphia Magazine !

Maiken, best known as the longtime host of The Pulse on WHYY , has been a powerful voice in public media, exploring science, health, and human behavior with curiosity and compassion. In her interview with Philadelphia Magazine, she reflects on her career journey, her passion for storytelling, and what continues to inspire her work behind the microphone.

Through her work at WHYY, Maiken has built a reputation for asking thoughtful questions and making complex topics accessible to broad audiences. Her approach — inquisitive, and deeply human—mirrors the values we hold dear at the German Society: fostering dialogue, encouraging lifelong learning, and building meaningful connections within our community.

Beyond her professional achievements, Maiken plays a vital role in the leadership of the German Society of Pennsylvania. She currently serves as:

Chair of the Personnel Committee
Chair of the Marketing Committee
Active Member of the Board of Directors

Her expertise in communication and media has been instrumental in strengthening our outreach efforts and helping us tell the story of the Society in fresh, engaging ways. From strategic marketing initiatives to thoughtful leadership in personnel matters, Maiken brings clarity, creativity, and professionalism to every discussion.

As a German-born journalist who has built an influential career in Philadelphia, Maiken represents the vibrant German-American spirit that has shaped our city for generations. Her success in public media and her dedication to cultural and educational initiatives reflect the mission of the German Society: connecting people through language, culture, and shared heritage.

We are incredibly proud to see her recognized in Philadelphia Magazine and grateful for the time, energy, and vision she contributes to our organization.

�� Read the full interview in Philadelphia Magazine here:
https://www.phillymag.com/news/2026/02/24/maiken-scott-whyy-pulse-show/

Want to meet Maiken in person? Catch her at our Biergarten on May 1st — and of course at our Eurovision Watch Party on May 16th !

Congratulations, Maiken — and thank you for being such an inspiring leader in our community!

Philadelphia Union 1776 Jersey Photo Shoot at the German Society’s Historic Library

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:23:07 GMT

The Horner Memorial Library becomes the backdrop for the Union’s bold new 1776 jersey kit

We were honored to welcome the Philadelphia Union to the German Society of Pennsylvania for the official photo shoot unveiling their newest jersey.

Our Horner Memorial Library — with its soaring ceilings, ornate woodwork, and thousands of rare German-language volumes — provided a dramatic and historic backdrop for this exciting moment in Philadelphia sports. The contrast between the Union’s modern kit and our 19th-century architecture created a powerful visual story: tradition meets innovation.

The Union’s 1776 Kit symbolizes the birth of this nation and reflects the core values of the club — unity, resilience, and pride. Unveiling a jersey inspired by America’s founding inside a building established in 1764 created a meaningful connection between Philadelphia’s past and present. As our city prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, moments like these remind us how deeply history continues to shape our community.

We are proud to support the Union and look forward to cheering them on throughout the season.

�� Get the 1776 Kit

Click here to find out more details about the jersey release including the purchase link.

Did you know?

As a member of the German Society of Pennsylvania, you receive access to exclusive discounted tickets to Philadelphia Union games throughout the season!

It’s just one of the many benefits of being part of our vibrant cultural community — connecting history, language, culture, and exciting Philadelphia partnerships.

Click here to join the German Society and access member perks.

261st Stiftungsfest 2025

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:29:06 GMT

A Night to Remember: The 261st Stiftungsfest of the German Society of Pennsylvania

This past weekend, the German Society of Pennsylvania proudly celebrated its 261st Stiftungsfest , welcoming 145 guests to our historic home on Spring Garden Street. It was an evening filled with joy, friendship, and tradition — a true reflection of our vibrant community of members, friends, and new supporters .

The evening began in our historic Horner Memorial Library , where President Mark McGuigan warmly welcomed guests with a champagne toast before everyone moved into the auditorium for an elegant dinner. Our Master of Ceremonies, Maiken Scott , then guided the audience through an engaging and memorable program that beautifully balanced reflection, gratitude, and celebration.

We were deeply honored to recognize Mrs. Lya Friedrich Pfeifer, J.D., and Mr. Joseph R. Pfeifer as our honorary guests . Their extraordinary generosity and steadfast support continue to strengthen the Society’s mission to preserve and promote German-American heritage, language, and culture in Philadelphia.

Guests enjoyed lively conversation, outstanding food and wine, and inspiring remarks celebrating the Society’s 261-year legacy — a milestone that reminds us how our history continues to shape our shared future. Our silent auction was also a great success, generating additional support for the Society’s ongoing programs and initiatives.

This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Caplan Family Charitable Foundation
Sponsors: Moore Brothers Wine Company • Stenner Law Firm – German Citizenship • Hardy von Auenmueller • Keough Electric, Inc. • German-American Heritage Foundation

A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible partners who helped make our evening unforgettable:
��️ Catering: Chef’s Table — for exquisite food and exceptional service
�� Music: Elegance Quartet — for creating an elegant and uplifting atmosphere
�� Photography: Kimberly Paynter — for capturing the spirit and beauty of the evening

An Evening with Dr. Andrea Paluch and Dr. Robert Habeck

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:07:25 GMT

“Werdegang als Autorenduo”

On Tuesday evening Oct 22, 2025, the German Society of Pennsylvania had the great pleasure of welcoming German authors Dr. Andrea Paluch and Dr. Robert Habeck for an engaging literary conversation in our Barthelmes Auditorium. The event drew a lively audience of members, students, and first-time visitors eager to hear about the couple’s unique journey as a writing duo.

Andrea and Robert spoke candidly about the creative process behind their collaborative works, sharing insights into how they approach storytelling together, overcome writer’s block, and balance the challenges of daily life as partners both on and off the page. They also reflected on how their writing evolved during Robert’s time in politics—particularly his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Germany from 2021 to 2024 —and how they navigated the intersection of public life and creative expression. Their humor, openness, and thoughtful reflections resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring lively discussion during the Q&A session that followed.

After the event, our President Mark McGuigan led Andrea and Robert, along with several guests from the audience, on a tour of the Society’s historic building, including a visit to the Horner Memorial Library —home to one of the largest collections of German-American materials in the United States. It was wonderful to see so many members of our Board of Directors in attendance, mingling with guests and helping to make the evening especially welcoming and warm.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Pennsylvania , and in particular to Professor Fritz Breithaupt , for making this special evening possible.

It was a memorable night celebrating literature, partnership, and the enduring connections between Germany and Philadelphia.

David Seeger’s account of GSP expenses and income for 1820

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:45:49 GMT

A rare financial record reveals the Society’s priorities in 1820

We recently acquired a fascinating piece of German Society history that offers an unusually detailed glimpse into the workings of the Society in the early 19th century. This financial account from 1820 was compiled by David Seeger, a local confectioner and flour merchant who served as Treasurer of the German Society from 1810–1824.

Income

In 1820, the Society’s funds came from a variety of sources: member dues and fines (including one $4 fine imposed when a member recommended someone for membership who later declined to join), stock dividends, bank interest, and rental income from leasing out classroom space and the cellar of the Society’s 7th Street building. By this time—just three years after the library’s founding—the Society had already acquired 1,700 “choice” volumes in both German and English.

Expenses

The largest expenditure, in keeping with the Society’s mission, was the “relief of distressed Germans” ($485). The Society also funded tuition for two young men to study at the University of Pennsylvania. Other recorded expenses include building repairs, snow removal, payments to the Library Committee (presumably for new books), and wages for an employee tasked with “making fire for Librarian, candles & sand.”

The account also documents costs related to the case of an indentured servant girl, as well as printing expenses for advertising meetings in a local newspaper.

A Window into the Past

This remarkable document offers more detail about the Society’s early activities than many other surviving records. We are thrilled to add it to our archives, where it helps illuminate the day-to-day operations of the German Society and its ongoing mission to serve the German-American community.

David Seeger’s account of GSP expenses and income for 1820

PRESS: Exilmusik: An Evening of Music and Song Honoring Margaret Darby

May 14th, 7 PM - 9:30 PM

PRESS: Fans Flock to German Society of Pennsylvania for Eurovision Song Contest Celebrations

Save the Date: May 16, 2026, 2:30 PM

6th Annual Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival

Young Talent Shines at the 2026 Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival Medalists’ Recital

Here are our medalists receiving their medal with Ernie Weiler:

GSP Board Member Maiken Scott Featured in Philadelphia Magazine

In Conversation with Maiken Scott

Philadelphia Union 1776 Jersey Photo Shoot at the German Society’s Historic Library

The Horner Memorial Library becomes the backdrop for the Union’s bold new 1776 jersey kit

261st Stiftungsfest 2025

A Night to Remember: The 261st Stiftungsfest of the German Society of Pennsylvania

An Evening with Dr. Andrea Paluch and Dr. Robert Habeck

“Werdegang als Autorenduo” ﻿

David Seeger’s account of GSP expenses and income for 1820

A rare financial record reveals the Society’s priorities in 1820

Income

Expenses

A Window into the Past

“Werdegang als Autorenduo”