hISTORY

Since 1727, the Junto has gathered.
From Franklin’s Philadelphia tavern to our present tables, its purpose has not wavered: to draw together those of wit and character, lovers of truth and good fellowship, who believe that honest talk can kindle great deeds.

This is not an invention of our day, nor a fashion. It is a lineage. For nearly three centuries, men and women of curiosity, letters, and civic spirit have met under this name. They have argued and laughed over their ale, debated the shape of justice, traded verses and pamphlets, tested ideas of art and science, and resolved—when stirred—to act for the public good. Out of such company rose libraries, fire brigades, academies, and newspapers. Out of such company still may rise whatever our age requires.

The Junto Club remains what it always was: a society for mutual improvement and cultural fellowship, grounded in literature, inquiry, and the arts, convening in the taverns and houses where conversation breathes best. We meet to sharpen one another, to delight in the play of mind and spirit, and to see what may be useful to our neighborhoods and our nation.

Here, culture is not ornament but sustenance.
Here, ideas are not idle but seeds.
Here, every glass raised carries with it the weight of history and the promise of tomorrow.

Preamble

In the spirit of Benjamin Franklin’s original gathering of 1727, the Junto Club convenes not in lofty halls, but in the warmth of neighborhood taverns, where honest talk and good company have always shaped communities. We gather not out of formality, but from conviction — that the exchange of ideas, the pursuit of virtue, and the fellowship of neighbors are the true engines of progress.

FAQs

📖 Junto Club — Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does “Junto” mean?

The word Junto comes from Spanish, meaning joined together. In Franklin’s time, it was used in English to mean a small council or select society. He chose it in 1727 to name his fellowship of artisans and tradesmen who gathered each week in a Philadelphia tavern. The name signified exclusivity and purpose: not casual company, but a circle bound together for improvement and action.

❓ Why Benjamin Franklin?

At age 21, Franklin founded the Junto as a society of “mutual improvement.” Twelve men met every Friday night to debate questions of morals, politics, science, and civic life. Out of those gatherings came libraries, fire brigades, hospitals, schools, and the American Philosophical Society. The Junto wasn’t ornamental — it was useful.

❓ Is this the same Junto today?

Yes — the spirit and fellowship continue. The Junto Club of today is not a “revival project” but a continuation of Franklin’s tradition: small, vetted circles of Fellows, bound together to share culture, conversation, and purpose.

❓ How is this different from a networking club?

The Junto is not about collecting contacts or status. It is about:

  • Fellowship of equals — only the best people, nominated and vetted.

  • Contribution — every Fellow adds value, whether by service, skill, or resources.

  • Enrichment — curated experiences: salons, tastings, arts, science, civic service.

  • Usefulness — ideas are meant to become action, improving communities and lives.

❓ What is Junto Social?

Junto Social is the public face of the Junto — open salons, talks, and tavern events where a wider circle can share in the experience. It is both a proving ground for potential Fellows and a way for the Junto to extend its influence beyond its private circles.

❓ How does membership work?

  • You are nominated — admission is by invitation only.

  • You join a Circle within your local Chapter (e.g. The First Circle of Washington).

  • You commit to monthly gatherings, annual service, and leadership in some capacity.

  • You may also join Sub-Circles (Arts, Letters, Sciences, Sport & Fellowship, Civic Duty).

  • Some Sub-Circles form Bonded Fellowships (e.g. Team Backers events under Sport & Fellowship).

❓ What is expected of me?

  • Attend Circle meetings regularly.

  • Contribute one act of service or enrichment annually.

  • Uphold discretion, civility, and the virtues of Franklin’s Junto.

  • Participate in Club-wide events (Founder’s Day Feast, Annual Gala, etc.).

❓ What do I gain by joining?

  • Belonging to a fellowship of exceptional people.

  • Access to curated experiences, tastings, salons, and guest speakers.

  • A platform to contribute — to ideas, culture, and civic good.

  • A sense of meaning: being part of something rare, selective, and impactful.