Posts in “special-collections” (90)
Blog Articles
Do you send out greeting cards around the holiday season? Families have been writing "Christmas Letters" for hundreds of years, but the commercially produced Christmas card is a little… continue reading Do You Need Some Holiday Card Inspiration?
By written by Caitlin G. December 8, 2017
October 24 marks the birthday of the Roaring Twenties icon Gilda Gray. Born on October 24, 1901 as Marianna Michalska in Krakow, Poland, Gray didn’t get off to the easiest start in life. She… continue reading A Dance and a Headdress: All About Gilda Gray
By written by Grace D. October 24, 2017 1
In the autumn of 2016, we were tasked with a fascinating challenge: create a bold and welcoming exhibition that would discuss the history of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. On the surface, this… continue reading Corridor of Culture: 100 Years of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
By written by Laura S. September 8, 2017
The Free Library has recently mounted an exhibit of treasures from our collections that illustrate the history and artistry of the comic book medium. This display can still be seen on the 2 nd-… continue reading The Art of Comics: An Exhibition
By written by Alina J. May 26, 2017
The Free Library’s map collection comprises thousands of maps focused on the development and history of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. One particular map, the Plan of the City of… continue reading A Rare Glimpse of Philadelphia in the Early 1800s
By written by Megan M. May 19, 2017 3
Much has been written in academic journals about the need to increase access to special collections in public libraries, museums, and universities. This topic is particularly relevant to the … continue reading Traveling Treasures: A Special Collection Worth Touching
By written by Joe S. May 5, 2017
We all know Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's everyman. Poor Richard . Diplomat of the Revolution . Inventor of the Glass Harmonica . Postmaster General . Guy Who Flew A Kite in a… continue reading "Pay to Benjamin Franklin, for Printing"
By written by Caitlin G. April 28, 2017
June 2, 2017, will mark the 90th birthday of our Parkway Central Library . On September 8, 2017, celebrations for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway’s 100th anniversary will begin and continue… continue reading Philadelphia, Fleisher, and the City Beautiful Movement
By written by Fleisher Collection April 21, 2017
The Print and Picture Collection (PIX) in Parkway Central Library is home to diverse collections of fine art prints, photographs, drawings, and artists’ books, as well as extensive research… continue reading Grandfather's Papers: The Jacques Wissler Collection
By written by Laura S. April 13, 2017 2
Katherine Milhous (1894-1977) wore many hats in her time: a supervisor for the Federal Art Project ; an artist for the Pennsylvania Art Project (a subsidiary of the Federal Art Project, which… continue reading The Art of Katherine Milhous
By written by Chris B. April 7, 2017