Our History

The Welsh Society of Philadelphia, the oldest ethnic society in America, began as the Pennsylvania Gazette of March, 1729 records, when

"Last Seventh Day many Gentlemen and others of the ancient Bretons met, and walk'd in a regular Order with Leeks in their Hats to the Church, where was preach'd in the old British language (as its said), and excellent Sermon on the Five first Verses of the 3rd Chapter of the 2nd Book of Timothy."

Nearly three centuries later, the Welsh Society continues to celebrate and preserve the spirit and traditions of Wales, through fellowship, cultural events, scholarships, and our annual St. David's Day banquet, which has been held every year since 1729.

Society members have been prominent in the political and commercial history of Philadelphia since the 18th Century.

Among the founding members were Welshmen as diverse as George Clymer, the pioneer financier who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Baptist clergyman Reverend Morgan John Rhees, and Griffith Jones, who kept the Blue Anchor tavern on Dock Street.

Over the years The Welsh Society has evolved from a Mutual Aid society to an Historical and Educational society promoting Welsh-American culture, maintaining our heritage, holidng social events, celebrations, and Gymanfoedd Ganu, as well as offering an undergraduate level Scholarship.

Our importance to the Philadelphia area is marked by a Plaque on Philadelphia's City Hall as well as the large number of historic sites and people connected to Wales in the area.