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Foreign Language Programs

The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center has an extensive collection of German language books and manuscripts as well as Pennsylvania German art and artifacts. We offer guided tours, family and homeschool workshops and school programs related to the German Language.

Guided Tours

For German speaking visitors and foreign language students, schedule a tour of the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center with a German speaking guide. To schedule a German language tour, please contact Allen Viehmeyer, Associate Director of Research, 215.679.3103.

Family and Homeschool German / Latin Language Courses and Summer Enrichment Sessions

Click here for the PDF Registration form.

Fall 2008 Foreign Language Courses for Families and Homeschoolers

Basic German Workshop

Ages 5+
$5 per participant, pre-registration required
Choose a session:
September 3, 2008 12:40pm-1:30pm
September 5, 2008 12:40pm-1:30pm
October 22, 2008 12:40pm-1:30pm
Learn a set of basic German words from greetings, numbers, colors to food and object names as you work from materials from our museum collection. Designed for multiple age groups. No previous knowledge of German required. Program length: 1 hr. $5 per participant. Pre registration required.

Basic Latin Workshop

Ages 5+
$5 per participant, pre-registration required
Choose a session:
September 12, 2008 11:40-12:30pm
September 17, 2008 11:40-12:30pm
October 15, 2008 11:40-12:30pm
A brief introduction to the language of the ancient Romans! Perfect for young students and parents that want to explore and learn some basic Latin vocabulary and culture without engaging in a multiple session course. In one hour, learn basic Latin vocabulary: colors, numbers, animals. Learn how Latin is used today in English. Designed for multiple age groups. No previous knowledge of Latin is required. Program length: 1 hr. Pre-registration is required.
Beginner-Advanced Latin and German Courses are repeated during the following months: October, November-December, January, February, March-April.

Beginner - Advanced Latin

10:00 am - 11:30 am; Ages 6 - 18
Wednesdays and Fridays throughout September 2008
September 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
$50.00 per participant
Instructor: Dr. Allen Viehmeyer, Associate Director of Research, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Learn the language of the ancient Romans. Beginners are introduced to basic vocabulary and simple sentences. Non-beginners will expand their skills. Reading Latin aloud for correct pronunciation as well as reading for content will be stressed. Fundamentals of Latin and English grammar are taught. Explore ancient Roman history, culture, mythology, and daily life. Students will be divided into small groups according to skill level. Each individual group will be taught in turn by the instructor, while the other groups are supervised by an assistant who will help them with various learning activities. Assignments, texts, and activities will vary according to age and skill level. Different textbooks will be required for age / skill level. Inquire about the book your child will need. 12 hours of instruction. Maximum of 15 participants. Pre-registration required.
Required texts for Fall 2008 Latin Course can be found here

Beginner - Advanced German

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Wednesdays and Fridays throughout September 2008
September 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
Ages 6 - 18
$50.00
Instructor: Dr. Allen Viehmeyer, Associate Director of Research, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Learn to read, write, and understand spoken German with emphasis on conversational German. Beginners are introduced to basic German vocabulary and practice saying and writing simple sentences. Non-beginners will expand their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar while increasing their speaking ability. Basics of modern German geography, culture, and daily life will be included. Designed for multiple age groups. Students will be divided into small groups according to skill level. Each individual group will be taught in turn by the instructor, while the other groups are supervised by an assistant who will help them with various learning activities. Assignments, texts, and activities will vary according to age and skill level. Different textbooks will be required for age / skill level. Inquire about the book your child will need. 12 hours of instruction.

School Programs

Foreign Language Students

Tour the Heritage Center with a German-speaking guide. Learn about the Schwenkfelders and other German immigrants. Go behind the scenes for a special tour of our archive. As part of your visit, we'll arrange a German meal at a local restaurant.
Foreign Language Standards: 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2