In 1862, the Union League of Philadelphia was founded as a Patriotic Society to support the policies of Abraham Lincoln. Today, the Union League is a private, members only, Five Star Platinum Club with over 3,500 members. Membership is in the vanguard of Philadelphia life, counting among our members many top leaders in business, academia, law, medicine, politics, religion, and the arts. Our members gather to socialize, dine, attend events, exercise and relax in one of the city’s most beautiful and historic settings. As members of the Union League of Philadelphia, they are entitled to many exclusive privileges that further details how the League is the #1 City Club in the nation.
For more information on membership, please contact the Membership Department at [email protected] or 267-702-2984.
At The Union League of Philadelphia, there is a dining style for every member. 1862 by Martin Hamann offers an exquisite fine-dining ambiance with incomparable cuisine. Café Meredith provides our members a “clubby” atmosphere with a classic grille style menu. Founders offers a lavish buffet that changes each day.
The Inn has 84 exquisite sleeping rooms, including 13 suites. These are available for you and your sponsored guests. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet and use of the fitness center and the business center are included.
Our premier health and fitness center has state of the art equipment, massage services, personal training, nutritional analysis and laundry service.
League House:
The Thomas N. Pappas Executive Business Center and the Third Floor Business Center provide access to state-of-the-art work stations, computers with high-speed Internet service, printing and copy services and wireless Internet connections.
Liberty Hill:
Gather at Liberty Hill is a members only space that features private work stations, a conference room and a lounge with shared workspaces and comfortable seating.
League House:
13 Private Dining rooms can be used for meetings, conferences, weddings, receptions, galas, dinners, birthday parties, showers and more. With 20,000 square feet of meeting space, the League is able to accommodate meetings from two to five hundred.
Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill has a sprawling campus with 50,000 square feet of versatile space with over 30 function rooms and private studios designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Elegant indoor and outdoor spaces offer open-air settings with inspiring scenic views.
The Union League of Philadelphia provides its members with a number of unique opportunities, both professionally and socially. There are over 100 planned events on our social calendar, including: the New Year’s Day Open House, Lincoln Day, Flag Day, the Ladies’ Fashion Show, Fall Ball and a variety of family-oriented affairs.
Affinity clubs are groups within the League that share a common interest. Membership is open to all members and their spouses. Their mission is to promote camaraderie among members and to enhance interest and knowledge of specific subjects. You are also welcome to start a new club!
In 1884, Club Tables were conceived as a means of fostering and reinforcing camaraderie and friendship. Originally table members congregated around the lunch hour; however today they are more than just luncheon clubs. They are looked upon as clubs within the League and have evolved over time to be one of our strongest social centers.
The League has a Luxury Suite at the Wells Fargo Center for all premier sporting and entertainment events.
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, your membership provides entry to many of the finest private clubs in the world. Enjoy exceptional accommodations and quiet exclusivity at over 170 clubs!
Members have priority access and guaranteed special rates at the Midtown Garage located directly across the street from the Sansom Street entrance.
On-site services include:
Here is a step by step guide to becoming a member. The Membership Department will help you with each step of the process.
1. Identify your Proposer for Membership.
Your proposer will be your primary sponsor and must know you for at least one year prior to proposing you for Membership. Please provide your proposer’s name to the Membership department to obtain a proposal for Membership, along with an invitation to our Prospective Member Reception.
2. Prospective Member Reception
Prospective Member Receptions are held monthly courtesy of Katherine A. Del Raso, Vice President of Membership. These gatherings are an ideal way for prospective members to learn more about The League and its values, meet other members and prospects and take a tour of the historic League house.
Please note: A Proposer must be identified prior to attending. To reserve, contact the Membership Department, at 215-587-5577 or [email protected].
3. Completing the Proposal
Once you have provided the Membership department with your proposer’s name, complete your Proposal and submit to [email protected]. Membership cannot accept your Proposal for the upcoming Posting deadline unless all six (6) sponsors are listed.
4. Finding Sponsors
Your sponsors are a crucial part of the membership process. How well and in what contexts you know your sponsors are important aspects of your file for the Admissions Committee to review.
- You should know each sponsor personally and well enough for them to attest to your character
- If you are married, the sponsors should know your spouse
- Variety: If you know three of your sponsors through work, try to identify other sponsors whom you know socially, perhaps through a club or the community
5. The Posting List
You must list all six (6) sponsors on your proposal to be considered “ready to post.” Proper protocol requires that you speak with each of the selected members to request their participation as a sponsor. Once you are added to the monthly Posting List, you are considered a “Candidate,” and officially begin the Membership Process. The Membership Department will then reach out to your first four (4) sponsors to collect letters of recommendation.
6. Event Attendance
During the Membership process, the Admissions Committee highly encourages candidates to attend historic and patriotic events. Prior to your interview, attending these events with your proposer/sponsor is an important way to prepare for your interview and experience the League. Please know that you will be asked to share your experiences with the Admissions Committee and should be able to articulate how your values align with the Union League’s values of Free Enterprise, Patriotism and support of the Constitution.
7. The Interview
The Admissions Committee will review your file and once approved, invite you in for an in-person interview. The Committee meets at the beginning of every month. Your proposer will introduce you to the Chairman of the Panel and the Board Member in attendance. The list of Candidates interviewed by the Admissions Committee is then given to the Board at their next scheduled meeting for approval.
8. New Member
Once you are elected to membership, you will be invited to a complimentary New Member Orientation and Induction Dinner to celebrate your election to the League.
If you are interested in Union League membership, contact the Membership Department at [email protected] or 215-587-5577.
©2025 The Union League of Philadelphia.
140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 • 215-563-6500
