Jelani Thomas

The Union League of Philadelphia

Founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln, The Union League of Philadelphia laid the philosophical foundation of other Union Leagues across a nation torn by civil war. The League has hosted U.S. presidents, heads of state, industrialists, entertainers and dignitaries from around the globe and has proudly supported the American military in each conflict since the Civil War. The Union League continues to be driven by its founding motto, Amor Patriae Ducit or Love of Country Leads. Today, the Union League is home to over 4,000 men and women who contribute to club life and keep alive the League's traditions. As they did in 1862, today's members represent the Philadelphia region's leaders in business, education, technology, healthcare, law, government, religion, art and culture. The Union League Legacy Foundation is the new, single, unified nonprofit charity of the Union League. It is dedicated to the same values of freedom and free enterprise upon which the League was founded. Through historic preservation, education and scholarship, the Legacy Foundation promotes these values and ideals, inspiring more educated, engaged and responsible citizens. The League House occupies an entire city block in the center of Philadelphia's commercial and cultural district. The building is representative of the classic French Renaissance style, with a brick and brownstone façade and dramatic twin circular staircases that lead to the main entrance on Broad Street. Built in 1865, the building was added to the National Historic Register in 1979. Ever-expanding, the League offers a plethora of amenities including five companion amenities: The Bungalow, The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale, The Union League Guard House, Union League National Golf Club and Union League Liberty Hill.