Our Mission
Located in the cradle of American Beekeeping, the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild works to encourage and promote urban beekeeping through fellowship and education, and to raise awareness of the importance of bees to our environment.
Why do we say we are in the cradle of American Beekeeping? Because Philadelphia is the birthplace of Lorenzo L. Langstroth, the inventor of the removable frame hive based on the concept of bee space. Without this hive style, American agriculture would be severely hampered. Lorenzo was born at 106 South Front St. on Christmas Day in 1810.
Not only that, but Langstroth’s eureka moment when the whole design of this hive came clear to his mind occurred as he walked from his apiary in West Philadelphia, back home to center city one night in 1851. So, the concept of bee space materialized (his discovery) here and the hive (his invention) was designed and patented in Philadelphia.
Referring to the births of the inventor, his idea, and his design, we consider Philadelphia the cradle of American beekeeping.
Our Committee Work
We execute on our vision and mission by dividing the “work” across committees. Guild members are encouraged to contribute in areas of personal interest. If you have a particular interest, please join in. We can always use another pair of hands to help the honeybees in Philadelphia! Committees can be found here.
Read the Guild By-Laws HERE.
The Guild Board can be reached at info@phillybeekeepers.org:
The members of the Guild board can be found here.
Our First Big Accomplishment
In 2010, The Guild was instrumental in raising this historic marker, honoring Mr. Langstroth and his contributions to beekeeping, here in Philadelphia. It can be found at 106 S. Front Street.
Honey Fest
Welcome fall at our 14th Annual Honey Festival in September, 2023, at Wyck Historic House and Bartram’s Garden.
September 16 at Wyck Historic House
September 17 at Bartram’s Garden
This year’s event celebrates 14 incredible years of working to raise awareness about the importance of honey bees to the environment, our food supply and the economy, and to celebrate urban beekeeping and gardening for pollinators. Both historic locations will offer visitors free family-friendly activities. The best food trucks in the city will be providing food for hungry visitors. We’ll be offering open hive demonstrations, honey extractions, observation hive, bee beards, honey tastings and more.
HoneyFest is a Philadelphia tradition – it’s a beautiful time to get outside and celebrate nature. Come purchase your local Philadelphia honey and enjoy all the free family fun we have to offer at Bartram’s Garden and Wyck Historic House. This festival really is the bees’ knees – and we look forward to seeing you!
