Posts in “history-of-philadelphia” (65)
Blog Articles
In 2026, the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. All eyes will be on Philadelphia as we recognize the historic events that occurred here in 1776. The Free… continue reading Get Ready: 2026 Starts Now!
By written by Janine P. April 8, 2022
Most of us are familiar with the artwork created by the Works Progress Administration: the striking photography, the murals in state buildings and post offices, the posters, and the public… continue reading The Federal Writers' Project American Guides
By written by Nina C. January 18, 2022
Updated Tuesday, December 7, 2021 Sherry L. Howard is a Philadelphia-based art collector and researcher who primarily focuses on local African American art and artists. She writes about her… continue reading African American Art Collecting and Research with Philadelphia Author Sherry Howard
By written by Alina J. November 3, 2021
All October we'll be talking about LGBTQ History on the Free Library's blog! So far we've discussed LGBTQ Historical Young Adult Fiction and LGBTQ History Told Through Comics and… continue reading More Than Stonewall: LGBTQ Historical Nonfiction
By written by Shelley R. October 28, 2021
The New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s political experiment to pull the United States out of the Great Depression, created programs for relief for the unemployed and economic… continue reading Explore the New Deal’s Legacy Across Philadelphia
By written by Laura S. October 5, 2021
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From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, the intrepid agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service—James Bond, designated Agent 007—has epitomized masculine cool. Everyone knows how he… continue reading Uncovering the Real James Bond in the Rare Book Department
By written by Mharlyn M. September 20, 2021 3
by Lillian B. and Jake T. Afraid of shots or needles? Have questions about protecting your health? Get excited to learn with us this National Immunization Awareness Month ! Primarily,… continue reading It’s National Immunization Awareness Month!
By written by Administrator August 16, 2021
After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the torch will be lit once again this year as the rescheduled Summer Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan starting today,… continue reading Local Athletes Competing in the Summer Olympics
By written by Peter SM July 23, 2021 1
The comic strip Heart of the City , set in Philadelphia, dates back to when everyone read the daily funnies on newsprint. A year ago, then 29-year-old Christina “Steenz”… continue reading Christina “Steenz” Stewart Draws the Heart of the City
By written by Bruce J. June 11, 2021
The Rare Book Department has some true treasures within its collections, but perhaps one of its most special collections is the First Folio of William Shakespeare . What is the “First… continue reading Who Said It: Shakespeare, Milton, or Shake Milton?
By written by Peter SM April 28, 2021
Dox Thrash was an innovative artist and printmaker who gained recognition for his realistic and moving depictions of Black life while working for the… continue reading Spotlight on Special Collections: Artist Dox Thrash and the WPA Printmaking Collection
By written by Laura S. April 23, 2021 1
This is the seventh in a series of posts highlighting major figures in jazz history who were from Philly (even if most ended up in New York City). A virtual book discussion of Thelonious… continue reading Philly Jazz Legends: Lee Morgan
By written by Ben R. April 14, 2021 3
One of the joys of my profession is not knowing who will spark my curiosity to continue learning about something or someone. To celebrate Black History Month this year, I let my curiosity guide me… continue reading Dr. Rebecca Cole: Pioneering Philadelphia Doctor and African American Health Advocate
By written by J'Vanne W. February 24, 2021
Bessie Coleman is known for being the first black women to get a pilot’s license. But have you ever wondered who the first Black man was to get his pilot’s license? Meet Emory Conrad… continue reading Emory C. Malick: Trailblazing African American Pilot
By written by Sandy M. February 23, 2021
![[from left] Jimmy Heath (1926-2020), Percy Heath (1923-2005), and Albert](https://libwww.freelibrary.org/images/blog/FLPBlog/orig/heath-brothers-4-22-17.jpg)
This is the seventh in a series of posts highlighting major figures in Philadelphia jazz history. Every one of the bolded album titles below can be streamed free with your library card via… continue reading Philly Jazz Legends: The Heath Brothers
By written by Ben R. February 23, 2021 1
Hannah Cho is a University of Pennsylvania Work-Study student from Davis, CA. During the Fall semester, she studied, recorded, and edited the Story Search podcasts remotely from South Korea.… continue reading Story Search from Special Collections: An Interview by Hannah Cho
By written by Joe S. January 6, 2021
Each holiday season, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation creates a festive commemorative bookplate that members of the community can gift in honor or in memory of those they care most… continue reading Take Part in a Free Library Holiday Tradition: Dedicate a Bookplate
By written by Jamie K. December 8, 2020 1
I still remember as a child, coming along as my mother cast her ballot. Standing side by side with my mother, the first person in my family to vote in the U.S., left me with wide-eyed curiosity.… continue reading Making Her Mark: Philadelphia Women Fight for the Vote Digital Exhibition Launches
By written by Suzanna U. November 10, 2020
You may have heard the recent news that Free Library cardholders now have access to ProQuest’s Historical Black Newspapers , featuring coverage of The Philadelphia Tribune (the oldest… continue reading Philadelphia History from Home: Digital Access to Primary Sources
By written by Caitlin G. August 25, 2020
This is the second in a series of posts highlighting major figures in jazz history who were from Philly (even if most ended up in New York City). A virtual book discussion of Wishing on the Moon:… continue reading Philly Jazz Legends: Billie Holiday
By written by Ben R. July 29, 2020 3