The German Heritage Society
of The Susquehanna Valley

The German Heritage Society of the Susquehanna Valley is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of preserving, promoting, and celebrating the German heritage, history and culture of the Susquehanna Valley.

For over 200 years, from the first Europeans in the area to the present day, the counties of the Susquehanna Valley have been overwhelmingly populated by persons whose ancestry originates in the German speaking lands of Europe: what is now Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, among others. Commonly known as "Pennsylvania Dutch", the "Pennsylvania Germans" have developed and preserved a culture that is strongly influenced by the traditions, culture, religion, and language of their "heimat", or homeland. This unique culture is a living, vibrant treasure that has survived the tests and turmoil of time.

Monthly Meetings:

First Thursday of each month
7:00 p.m.
Degenstein Library, Sunbury, PA.

Agenda:

• 45-60 minute program that deals with a different aspect of German Heritage.
• Program topics that have been presented include:
  • German Language
  • German Geneaolgy
  • PA German Folkart
  • German History
  • German Culture
  • German Stamp Collections
  • German Travel
  • German Christmas Markets
• Socializing and refreshments follow the program.

Activities: The GHSSV organizes and participates in a variety of activities throughout the year, including:

• Travel:
  • Regional German Heritage Festivals
• Fundraising:
  • The GHSSV raises funds through many activities, including:
    • Dues
    • Sales and raffles
    • Participation in German Heritage festivals(such as the Mifflinburg Christkindlmarket)
• Annual Member Meeting & Dinner Celebration:
  • An annual dinner meeting is held each September for the purpose of elections, program development, and celebration. The dinner consists of a German/German American meal as well as professional entertainment.

Membership:

• The GHSSV is a growing organization founded in 2002 with over 70 active members of all ages.
• The GHSSV offers membership to those interested in German Heritage, History, and Culture.
• Membership consists of four grades:
  1. Individual - Any person age 18 or older who is not a full-time student.
  2. Family - Any number of immediate family members living at the same address. All children under age 18 living at home are included.
  3. Student - Any ‘non-family’ student up to and including undergraduate studies.
  4. Lifetime - One time fee for any one person, regardless of age or educational status.

Download a membership application brochure

Future Plans:

The GHSSV aspires to expand its activities. The following are some ideas:

• Travel to Regional, and National German Heritage Sites and Festivals
• International Travel
• Cultural exchanges
• Genealogy Library
• Small Groups (such as a PA German language, German Beer and Wine Tasting, Musical Group, Craft Group)
• Festivals (Oktoberfest, Springfest, German-American Day, etc.)

Practice your language skills!

Use the link to the right to translate the page to German or another language. Do you know which one is the German flag?

Since the new page opens another window, close the new window when you want to return to the English version of the page.

Have fun!