WIlkommen im Boylston Schul-Verein! Welcome to the BSV! 

We are proud to be celebrating our club's 152nd year in 2026. The BSV is the center of German-American social, cultural, and educational activities in the greater-Boston area.

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Our History

The Boylston Schul-Verein was granted its charter by the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on September 17, 1874. This official date of incorporation was preceded by an initiative of a number of citizens of German descent living in the Boylston Station section of Jamaica Plain to found a club in 1871. The club had its beginning under the name The Independent German Club of West Roxbury. The club proceeded to purchase land at 45 Danforth Street, Jamaica Plain in 1873 and in 1874 constructed its first club house. During its early years, the Boylston Schul-Verein included a German language class for children of members (and neighbors), a drama club, Gymnasium (High School) and a singing group. Our charter then, as today, charges the club with “the physical and intellectual development of German-American youth, as well as the social organization of its adults for the pursuit of general humane, civil, cultural and political welfare of the American way of life” (Constitution and By-Laws of the Boylston Schul-Verein). To this day, our club still pursues many of the original activities of our founding members, including language programs, athletic programs, a choir, and more!

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Read a comprehensive history of the BSV and Germany Saturday School here on the Jamaica Plain Historical Society's website.>

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Our Membership

The Boylston Schul-Verein currently has approximately 500 members, 60% of this membership is of German descent. The BSV is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and we are a completely volunteer-led organization. The elected board (der Vorstand) is the governing body of the BSV. 

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Membership is open to anyone who is interested in celebrating German culture and commited to the betterment of the BSV. 

 

Learn more about becoming a member. >

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​Our Club's Name​

Boylston - refers to the Boylston Station section of Jamaica Plain, our original home

Schul - "school" 

Verein - "club" or "association"

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Events and Other Cultural Activities

We open our club to the general public throughout the year for various cultural activities such as our monthly Summer Biergartens, Oktoberfest, and Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). Additionally, we host a number of member-only events for our membership. Explore all of our events here.> ​​