MISSION STATEMENT
Providing fellowship with Pennsylvanians who share a deep affection for Pennsylvania, pride in giving back to the Commonwealth, and a commitment to civil engagement.
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
For more than 120 years, The Pennsylvania Society has been dedicated to uniting members in fellowship with Pennsylvanians from all walks of life who share a deep affection for our state, pride in giving back to the Commonwealth, and a commitment to civil engagement. With no affiliation to any particular political party, business or profession, The Pennsylvania Society maintains its centuries-long commitment to civility, where members celebrate service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with an abiding respect for one another.
A non-profit, charitable organization with members around the world, the Society welcomes all Pennsylvanians. It is in its third century of existence and is the oldest organization of its kind in the country. New members are always welcome.
HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY
In 1899 James Barr Ferree, an historian and native Pennsylvanian living in New York City, invited 55 fellow Pennsylvanians also living in New York to join him for dinner at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. While enjoying a meal together, they decided to form a group known initially as “The Pennsylvania Society of New York.” Their goal was to establish a society “uniting all Pennsylvanians at home and away from home in bonds of friendship and devotion to their native or adopted state” and would meet for dinner every year, same time, same place.
In the years that followed, the Society has honored those who have given back to the Commonwealth including Andrew Mellon, Henry Ford, Mamie and Dwight D. Eisenhower, Louise and Andrew Carnegie, Guion Bluford, Elsie Hillman, Andrew Wyeth, Arnold Palmer, M. Night Shyamalan, and the beloved Fred Rogers to name only a few.
In 1903, when the organization was incorporated, the name was shortened to “The Pennsylvania Society.” As the years passed, that dinner at The Waldorf Astoria became the hallmark event of The Pennsylvania Society.
Each year, the Gold Medal recipient selects a Pennsylvania charity of his or her choice, which receives a donation from the Society. All told, millions of dollars have benefitted these worthy organizations. And to honor scholarship, students compete annually for the Society's Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award, a writing competition open to Pennsylvania high school juniors.
In the more than 120 years that have passed since its first gathering, the Society has sponsored scores of historical and social functions, bringing together its members and friends to remind them of Pennsylvania’s vital and long-standing leadership in the economic and industrial life of the nation. And today, as members of The Pennsylvania Society, we are dedicated to continuing and renewing that leadership, with friendship and with civility toward our fellow Pennsylvanians.
CURRENT COUNCIL
Click here to view our current council.