Pennsylvania Chapter

Palatines to America

Researching All German Speaking Ancestry

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Palatines to America

Helping German Americans Find Their Roots in Germanic Europe

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Palatines to America is a regional German-American genealogical organization. It is a part of the Palatines to America which has seven chapters.

The first Germans to come to America as permanent immigrants settled in Pennsylvania at Germantown, now a part of Philadelphia. Later, a small group of Anabaptists (Mennonites) settled near the contemporary town of Strasburg in what has become known as the Pennsylvania Dutch country. (At about the same time, a larger number of Germans settled along the Hudson River.) In Pennsylvania, the early Germans were joined by many fellow countrymen of all religious persuasions. The port of Philadelphia became the major gateway for Germans to enter the Colonies. A large fraction of those entering at Philadelphia remained in Pennsylvania.

The Chapter meets twice a year sponsoring speakers who offer insights into the culture of the Pennsylvania Germans as well as matters relating to genealogical research. A newsletter, Penn Pal, is published four times a year.

The Chapter was formed in 1977 when fourteen people met to organize. The Chapter has grown to about a 1,000 members in 49 states and in six countries outside the U.S. If you are not a member, consult the National organization for details of membership.

Webmaster is John Blankenbaker at <JohnBlankenbaker@comcast.net>

But please insert a “dot” after “John”

Revised 2 June 2008

The Fall Meeting Will Be Held November 1, 2008 at

Yoders in New Holland, Pennsylvania