From the Executive Director

We are now mid-way through our Centennial anniversary.  International House Philadelphia celebrates not only our role as an innovator and founder of a still growing worldwide International House movement, but also our enduring commitment in service of building a global community in Philadelphia. Toward this end, IHP has had the unique privilege to play host and facilitator for a dynamic ongoing conversation with participants as diverse as visiting international scholars and local grassroots organizations, avant garde filmmakers and global business leaders.

While almost all cities lay claim to their share of “firsts”, no other city in the United States of America can claim as many as Philadelphia. Starting as far back as 1681, it would be next to impossible to list all of Philadelphia’s “firsts”, but it’s well worth looking at the more significant milestone “firsts” that have occurred in the City of Brotherly Love.  One of the oldest cities in the US, Philadelphia was founded by William Penn in 1681 and is often referred to as the “birthplace of America”.

International House Philadelphia is recognized as the “birthplace of the International House movement”.  As IHP commemmorates our Centennial year, this is the opportunity to acknowledge the great city in which our institution resides, and which is accredited as the country’s “birthplace”.

With Philadelphia contributing greatly to the US economy as well as the nation’s founding, and IHP being a significant organization to the Philadelphia and surrounding communities, the correlation between the two lend to a paramount opportunity to host an event celebrating these important places in history.

Please save the date for our Centennial Gala – IT HAPPENED FIRST IN PHILADELPHIA. This annual event provides critical funding that enhances our mission to maintain a diverse and welcoming community for scholars from around the world, while introducing them to the American experience; to broaden the horizons of its residents and the larger community through high quality international arts and humanities programs and to encourage cooperation and respect among the peoples of all nations.

Be here on Friday, May 20, 2011.  Don’t miss the party of the year!

Thank you,
Tanya