The Plattduetsche Volksfest Vereen of NY and NJ was founded on May 1, 1875 and has been a beacon of German Culture in New York and New Jersey ever since.
Who We Are
For nearly 150 years, the Plattduetsche Volksfest Vereen of New York and New Jersey (PVV) has been a beacon for German-Americans in the metropolitan area. Whether it be through singing, dancing, language, sport, marksmanship, or social interest, each of our six member clubs strives to preserve a unique part of Germanic heritage, handed down through generations, complete with its traditions and customs.
Our History
In 1874, a large group of clubs in the New York and New Jersey area, comprised of Americans of German descent known as the Plattduetsche people came together to hold one of the largest Germanic festivals of the region. These plattduestsche people originated mostly from the northern flatlands of Germany; hence the name Platt, which means flat or plain. The Volksfest was first held in August 1874 in North Bergen, New Jersey, in an area close to what was formerly known as Schuetzen Park. More than 125,000 people attended the festival over six days.
In 1875, the official organization of the Plattduetsche Volksfest Vereen of New York and New Jersey was created. Through the years, many other organizations of German ancestry joined the PVV. Today, six organizations remain and belong to the PVV of NY & NJ.
The PVV was instrumental in creating what was known and beloved as Schuetzen Park, which housed the Fritz-Reuter Altenheim home for the aged and the original Volksfest.
Our Clubs
We proudly serve and have six member clubs, promoting German Culture, marksmanship, sports, singing, and more!