The GCCG was founded in 1968 and has been in continuous operation since 1973. We have more than 220 members worldwide, with our principal membership coming from the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Since 1973, the GCCG has regularly published its journal, Vorläufer, highlighting new research, discoveries, and educational articles.  Vorläufer is an English-language publication, and is currently published approximately four times a year.

The German Colonies Collectors Group (GCCG) is a Study Group of the U.S.-based Germany Philatelic Society, Affiliate No. 236 of the American Philatelic Society, and an Associated Group of the U.K.’s Germany and Colonies Philatelic Society.

It is one of two major study groups for the German Colonies, the other being the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Sammler Deutscher Kolonialpostwertzeichen of the German Bund Deutscher Philatelisten (BDPh).