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The German Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization furthering understanding of German & German-American contributions to American history & culture.

611 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA

German Society of Pennsylvania

The word "Ratskeller" comes from the words "Rathaus" (a town hall), and "Keller" (a cellar). A Ratskeller is a tavern located below a town hall that specializes in serving beer. The German Society's Ratskeller is a cozy dining room with a traditional, old-world ambiance. The room is ideal for smaller gatherings, whether it's a birthday party, a wine tasting, or a small wedding reception. The room comes with an attached kitchen with refrigerator, oven, microwave, and industrial dishwasher, as well as a 26' wet bar with two refrigeration units and 8 bar stools.

Kitchen

Air Conditioning

Private Dining

Meetings

The Ratskeller

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The historic Library on the third floor was constructed in 1888 as a reading room. Today in addition to being a working research library, the room is a unique space for lectures, meetings, and wedding ceremonies. The two-story room is lined with galleried bookcases and a number of busts of famous Germans and German-Americans. There is a large wooden podium at the front of the room, and an assortment of antique wooden tables and chairs are available for use. The room is also air-conditioned. For the preservation of our historic collection, there is no food or drink permitted in the library.

Joseph Horner Library

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The Leidy Terrace was recently renovated: providing a serene outdoor space in the center of Philadelphia. Today, it makes the perfect venue for an outdoor garden party, cocktail hour or ceremony. The Leidy Terrace is handicapped accessible with natural shade provided by six large Linden trees. Rental of the terrace includes a commercial grade catering kitchen. Outdoor furniture is not provided by the society and must be rented if desired.

Outdoor Area

Great Views

The Leidy Terrace

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The German Society built its Versammlungssaal (Assembly Hall) in 1888 for lectures, concerts, special events and general meetings of the Society membership. Today, it is a perfect setting for large dinners or parties, corporate events, and wedding receptions. The Hall was named in 1999 for Albert and Hete Barthelmes who made possible the renovation of the Society's elegant 1888 library reading room, as well as the four plaster electric chandeliers that are original to the room. The ballroom has a 13' wet bar near the main entrance with refrigeration units. Rental of the room also includes the use of 23 folding tables and 240 folding chairs, as well as a commercial-grade kitchen and a catering prep room.

Stage

Breakout Rooms

The Barthelmes Auditorium

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The Director's Room is the parlor of the 1830's townhouse that is now the German Society's office space. With a couch, armchairs, and curio cabinets filled with vintage beer steins, china, and books, the room is a charming setting for a bridal suite before a wedding ceremony, or for a quiet retreat during a reception. The room also contains a large board table that seats approximately 12 people. The Director's Room connects to the Auditorium through a set of double doors. For security reasons, it is only rentable in conjunction with that space.

Whiteboard

The Director's Room

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The Otto Haas Conference Room is found in the 1830's townhouse section of the German Society. The quiet room is set back from traffic, making it a good place to host an important conference meeting, or teach lessons.  The wooden chairs and tables are available for use as well as the white board and tv for media presentation.

Otto Haas Conference Room

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Spaces	Seated	Standing
The Ratskeller	100	140
Joseph Horner Library	150	150

1 Historic Building near Philadelphia, PA

German Society of Pennsylvania