The modern residents of Germantown in Philadelphia owe a debt of thanks to Francis Daniel Pastorius. Pastorius was a lawyer born in Germany who was responsible for the founding of Germantown. Like Benjamin Franklin, Pastorius, and later his descendants, helped to establish community institutions in the Germantown Neighborhood. Daniel Francis Pastorius provided the land for the building of one the first school in Germantown, the Union School of Germantown, which became the Germantown Academy. The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. now stands on the former site of the Academy. Pastorius great grandson, Daniel, followed in the footsteps of his Great Grandfather. Daniel Francis Pastorius believed that everyone should have the freedom to worship in their own way. Daniel Pastorius allowed early Germantown Methodists to worship in his house. Soon after, Daniel Pastorius sold them the land for the First United Methodist Church of Germantown. However, someone who begins to investigate the history of these places will find that all these institutions lead back to an unassuming building at 6019 Germantown Avenue known as the Green Tree Tavern. You can begin your journey at PhilaPlace about this historical landmark.
Children usually learn their first word and how to count from their mom or dad. Most parents are happy to play the role of first teacher and teach their children all they know about the child’s brand new world. However, children eventually reach the point in their education where they go to school. The First Methodist Church of Germantown has been providing children with their first lessons as well as a religious education in their Sunday School for almost two hundred years. You can find out more about 
We have all dreamed of opening our own business. In 1748, Daniel Pastorius and his wife, Sarah, made their dream a reality. They opened a tavern on Germantown Avenue and called it the Saddle Arms. It was far from easy running a business. The couple’s hard work, and Sarah’s famous cooking, led to the success of the Tavern. The Green Tree served many uses over the years. However, its most important purpose has been to serve the community. You can read more about the 
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most beloved Founding Fathers. His recognition worldwide for his influence in the Revolutionary War, his inventions and establishments such as the fire department and the library have made him an outstanding Philadelphian. Now on PhilaPlace you can read about his final resting place in 
Ryerrs Museum