Main content

Extent:

4.2 linear feet (; 54 volumes, 1 flat file)

Abstract:

Founded in 1906 by immigrants to Philadelphia from the province of Banat in southwestern Romania, the Societatea Banateana was one of the first Romanian-American beneficial and cultural organizations created in the United States. In 1913, it merged with Vasile Alecsandri, a similar society that was founded in 1912, and formed Societatea Banateana-Vasile Alecsandri. Like many other ethnic organizations of the time period, the society offered social opportunities and economic relief for its members. Through the society, members enjoyed cultural events that celebrated Romanian heritage, and the society also provided its members with sick and death benefits. The society was also responsible for the establishment of Philadelphia’s first Romanian Orthodox parish, Descent of the Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church (known today as Descent of the Holy Spirit Romanian Orthodox Church). The society’s headquarters was located on the northwest corner of Third and Brown Streets in Old Fellows...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]