Pennsylvania Dutch refers to a cultural group of German-speaking people who settled in Pennsylvania in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Although the term “Dutch” is used, it actually refers to the German word “Deutsch,” which means German. This community has had a significant impact on Pennsylvania’s history and culture. Here are ten famous people from the Pennsylvania Dutch ethnic group:
- John Updike: A renowned American novelist and short story writer, Updike was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. His works often focused on the struggles and anxieties of middle-class America.
- Christina Aguilera: This Grammy-winning singer and actress has Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. Aguilera is known for her powerhouse vocals and hits like “Genie in a Bottle” and “Beautiful.”
- Conrad Weiser: Weiser was a Pennsylvania Dutch interpreter and diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiations between Native American tribes and the British during the French and Indian War.
- Jonathan Frakes: Frakes, known for his role as Commander William Riker on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” has Pennsylvania Dutch roots. He is also a film director and author.
- Samuel Pennypacker: Pennypacker was the 23rd Governor of Pennsylvania and a historian. He was known for his efforts to preserve Pennsylvania’s historical landmarks.
- Milton S. Hershey: The founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, Hershey was born in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. His success in the chocolate industry allowed him to create the town of Hershey and the Milton Hershey School.
- Grace Slick: Slick, the lead singer of the iconic rock band Jefferson Airplane, has Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. She is known for her powerful vocals and hits like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.”
- Johnny Weir: Weir, a former figure skater and two-time Olympian, has Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. He is known for his flamboyant style and artistic performances on the ice.
- John Bartram: Bartram was a botanist, explorer, and one of America’s first naturalists. He established Bartram’s Garden, the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America, in Philadelphia.
- John Wanamaker: Wanamaker was a successful businessman and founder of the first department store in Philadelphia. He also served as the United States Postmaster General under President Benjamin Harrison.
Most Famous Pennsylvania Dutch Celebrities
Pennsylvania Dutch, also known as Pennsylvania German, refers to the cultural and linguistic heritage of the German-speaking settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many famous individuals can trace their roots back to the Pennsylvania Dutch, including several well-known celebrities. Here are some notable figures:
- Taylor Swift: The Grammy Award-winning singer was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and has Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. Her maternal grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent.
- Jackie and Joan Collins: The late British actress Joan Collins and her sister Jackie Collins, who was also an author, had Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry through their mother, Elsa Bessant, whose family hailed from Pennsylvania.
- Michael Strahan: The former NFL player turned television personality, Michael Strahan, best known for his role on “Live! with Kelly and Michael” and “Good Morning America,” has Pennsylvania Dutch roots through his father.
- John Updike: The late Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, John Updike, who was known for his “Rabbit” series of novels, had Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. He was born in Reading, Pennsylvania.
These are just a few examples of celebrities with Pennsylvania Dutch roots. The Pennsylvania Dutch culture has had a significant impact on American society, and its influence can be seen in various fields, including music, literature, and entertainment.
Explore the rich tapestry of celebrities with Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry listed above. Delve into the fascinating world of their diverse cultural backgrounds and achievements. For a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the latest celebrity news and updates on renowned figures from various fields, immerse yourself in the content available at Wikipedia.org.
Factsheet About Pennsylvania Dutch People
| Demographics | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 300,000 |
| Origin | German-speaking immigrants from the Palatinate region of Germany |
| Language | Pennsylvania Dutch dialect of German |
| Religion | Predominantly Protestant, with a significant Amish and Mennonite population |
| Settlement | Concentrated in Pennsylvania, especially in the counties of Lancaster, Berks, and Lebanon |
| Cultural Influences | German traditions, customs, and cuisine |
| Economy | Agriculture, tourism, and small businesses |
References to the Pennsylvania Dutch Ethnic Group
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Pennsylvania Dutch – This Wikipedia article provides a comprehensive overview of the Pennsylvania Dutch ethnic group. It covers their history, culture, language, and more.
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Penn State Magazine: Pennsylvania Dutch articles – The Penn State Magazine features several articles exploring different aspects of Pennsylvania Dutch culture, including food, crafts, and traditional practices.
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Pennsylvania Folklore: A Journal of Myth, Icon, and Culture – This scholarly journal focuses on understanding the folklore and cultural traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and other ethnic groups in Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center – The Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center provides information about the folklore, crafts, music, and language of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Their website offers resources to delve deeper into the topic.
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Anabaptist Historians – This blog contains articles and research papers related to the history and culture of religious groups, including the Pennsylvania Dutch, who are primarily of Anabaptist heritage.
