Reviving the Social Club Tradition

The idea of a social club is far from new. Since the 18th and 19th centuries, people have gathered in guilds, societies, and coffeehouses, spaces where community thrived. But in recent decades, civic engagement and social belonging have declined sharply. In 1974, 75% of Americans were involved in some type of social club. Today, that number has fallen dramatically.

PGH Social Club was founded to change that. We’re reviving the social club tradition for a modern generation through rebuilding community, conversation, and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Not only that, but we are also actively increasing young adult workforce retention within the city, something all Pittsburgh businesses can get on board with.

Our founders came to Pittsburgh from the West Coast and fell in love with the city’s energy and potential. Through PGH Social Club, they set out to show young people that Pittsburgh isn’t just a hidden gem, it’s a place to build a life. We all want our city to thrive, and Pittsburgh has no shortage of visionaries or colleges to educate and inspire them, but that sense of belonging and community might be missing.

Because a great job might bring someone here, but a great community will make them stay.

After seeing firsthand the challenge of keeping young talent here, our founders were able to create a space where new Pittsburghers can find their place, their people, and their community. With no plans to leave and every reason to stay, they embody our mission: making Pittsburgh not just a stop along the way, but home.