“Learning to live on my own in the city was one of the most valuable experience of my life.”
Meg Bierlein, Denison University
Spring 2003
Growth Fund for America, Special Events Intern
Cultural Diversity
The city’s diverse population of many different cultures is another reason students enjoy Philadelphia.
Overview: The culture of Philadelphia goes back to 1682 when William Penn founded the city. Originally inhabited by the Lenape, Philadelphia was envisioned as a place where people could live without fear of persecution because of their religion. As a result, many Quakers, Mennonites, and others came to find refuge within the city. As Philadelphia grew into a major political and economic center many different groups of religions and ethnicities flocked to the city. Immigration and migration periods during the 19th and 20th centuries led to large concentrations of Germans, Italians, Asians, Irishmen, Puerto Ricans and African Americans. Philadelphia is still a major center of immigration, with large Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, East African, Middle Eastern, Indian and Mexican immigrant populations, among many others.
Links and Resources:
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance - The Alliance “leads, strengthens and gives a voice to a diverse cultural sector that is making Philadelphia a world-class region to live, work and play.”