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.

A person’s ability to think up a fresh idea is something special.  A fresh idea is also something that doesn’t happen all the time. The owner of the Oellers Hotel, James Oellers, had the great fortune to think of several fresh ideas in his lifetime. Oellers was also able to witness a few firsts which happen to occur at his establishment. These firsts allowed him to enjoy a great deal of success. However, Oellers also needed to deal with some misfortune as well. Come on over to PhilaPlace and read about the rise and fall of the nation’s first hotel, the Oellers Hotel.

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 The First United Methodist Church of Germantown Sunday School’s history at PhilaPlace.

Ever wonder what Philadelphia history exists north of Center City? This area’s historical treasures can often be overlooked as a tourist hotspot, but there are places to see! The Ryerrs Museum in Burholme Park has a wide array of objects from around the world – collected on the Ryerss’ trips abroad.They had rather eccentric taste   in decoration and the museum’s display reflects this. Walking into the museum you’ll    be met with scientific specimens, including plenty of taxidermy animals, and beautiful art, paintings, sculpture, plates and mugs. For generations, family members dedicated their lives to philanthropic causes and made a lasting impact on their community. Read about them on PhilaPlace!

"The Astronomical Club at Work"

 The histories of two of Philadelphia’s oldest and most prestigious public High Schools are now on PhilaPlace.

Read the Philadelphia High School for Girls’ story page to figure out why the school was known by five different names over the course of its almost two hundred year history and discover the way in which the public education of women evolved from the early 1800s up until today.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to relive your high school years or not, the stories have appeal for those interested in photography, architecture, football, education, and urbanization.

Click here to visit the story pages for Central and Girls High Schools.