Welcome to the Pennsylvania Chapter of Palatines to America
Did your forebears emigrate to Pennsylvania from a German (aka Palatine) state? Are you interested in those Pennsylvania Germans? This is the place to learn more about them and find tips, clues, and resources to further your research. If your ancestors arrived in Philadelphia during the 1700s, the men were marched from the docks to the courthouse pictured above to sign the Oath of Allegiance (see the Research Links for the Pennsylvania German Pioneer series to learn more). Members have access to additional resources, including searchable newsletters back to the first in 1978.
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Click to view our Volunteer Opportunites page to learn how you can help.
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Upcoming PalAm Programs:
Date Program Presenter
April 16, 2024
7:00 PM EDT
What’s Old, and New, at the Pennsylvania State Archives - The move is complete! Brett Reigh, Archivist II, will give us an overview of the new Pennsylvania State Archives building, which houses more than 250 million documents in the Commonwealth’s archival collections. Register Here. Brett Reigh
May 21, 2024
7:00 PM EDT
Camp Security, A Revolutionary War Era Prison Camp 1781-1783
Jonathan R. Strayer, Historical Researcher of Friends of Camp Security in York County, Pennsylvania (https://www.campsecurity.org/) will give an overview of the history and preservation of Camp Security, A Revolutionary War Era Prison Camp 1781-1783.
In addition, June Lloyd, York County Historian, will present "Voices of Camp Security," excerpts of pension records, etc., of people who were at the encampment. Register Here.
Johnathan Strayer
and June Lloyd
June 18, 2024
7:00 PM EDT
German-American Genealogy Resources at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Katy Barnes, Director of Genealogical Services and Programs, at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania will talk about HSP’s resources. HSP, one of the largest family history collections on the East Coast and is one of the largest history libraries in the nation, showcasing collections on regional and national history, and offering a manuscript collection renowned for its holdings that span from the 16th to the 21st centuries.
Kathy Barnes
July 16, 2024
7:00 PM EDT
Researching Your Pennsylvania German Ancestors at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center
Presenter, Hunt Schenkel, is the Archivist at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center in Pennsburg, PA. The Schwenkfelders are a small German Protestant denomination who settled in southeastern Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Their center maintains internationally recognized collections and research facilities. Visitors can explore the themes of religious freedom, tolerance, migration, and heritage through stories of the Schwenkfelders and Pennsylvania Germans of the Perkiomen region.
Register Here.
Hunt Schenkel
 
See the Events Calendar for more details on our events and programs.

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Upcoming Events
April 6, 2024
4:30 pm
Ohio Chapter Spring Seminar
Mary Eberle, JD, DNA Expert, Author, Educator will present three topics: “You've got DNA Results - Now What?” “Understanding Ethnicity Estimates” and “Finding Relatives and ...

April 16, 2024
7:00 pm
What’s Old, and New, at the Pennsylvania State Archives
The move is complete! Our April Third Tuesday presentaion, Brett Reigh, Archivist II, will give us an overview of the new Pennsylvania State Archives building, ...

April 20, 2024
3:30 pm
Indiana Chapter Spring Meeting
The Indiana Chapter of Palatines to America presents Indiana State Archives. See the PalAm website listing here and download the flyer for more information.

May 21, 2024
7:00 pm
Camp Security, A Revolutionary War Era Prison Camp 1781-1783
Jonathan R. Strayer, Historical Researcher of Friends of Camp Security in York County, Pennsylvania (https://www.campsecurity.org/) will give an overview of the history and preservation of ...

June 6, 2024
2024 National Palatines to America Conference
Join us in Albany on June 6 – 9, 2024 for PalAm’s National Conference Speakers include Philip Otterness, author of Becoming German: The 1709 Palatine ...