Immigrants from central Europe from what is now Germany began arriving in Philadelphia in 1683 with the establishment of the Germantown Colony.  These German speaking migrants brought their language and cultural traditions with them. They created a unique aesthetic whose influence is still felt today in southeastern and central Pennsylvania. The Free Library’s Rare Book Department is home to an extensive collection of materials from the Pennsylvania German community, which include: fraktur, German language books and imprints, broadsides, manuscripts, almanacs and more. As part of our 75th Anniversary Celebration this event will have selected items on display as well as a short talk. 

2024 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Rare Book Department. To celebrate this anniversary, the Rare Book Department will offer extended evening hours until 8:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month through October, including a free behind-the-scenes, sneak peek program to interested visitors from 6:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. Click here for an updated schedule of events.