NEW HELVETIC SOCIETY, PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER

0.5 ft.

MSS 11

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The aims of the New Helvetic Society, Pennsylvania Chapter, are "to promulgate Swiss matters in general and cultural properties in particular" and "to promote cultural gatherings of the Swiss colony for cultural programs attractive to Americans."

In 1936 Hon. Maurice J. Rohrbach, then acting consul, had the idea of beginning a Swiss cultural society of a general nature which would not conflict with the purposes or interests of several more specialized Swiss organizations in the Philadelphia area.  Planning meetings were held the following year and in 1938 the constitution and bylaws of the New Helvetic Society, Pennsylvania Chapter, were presented.  Mr. Rohrbach became the Society's first president.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The records of the New Helvetic Society, Pennsylvania Chapter, cover the years 1938 to 1973.  Minutes, reports, constitution and bylaws, fiscal reports for 1948-1973, correspondence, programs and flyers describing social activities of the Society, 1938-1973, and complete membership lists are included in the records.  The material is divided by subject and arranged chronologically.  Additions were made to the collection in 1990.