Posts in “history” (173)
Blog Articles
In a world of "fake news" and "alternate truths", the importance of critical thinking is more important than ever. Educators and librarians have replaced old-school teaching… continue reading Back to School, but Not Old School: Information and Primary Source Literacy
By written by Joe S. September 12, 2018
Unless you've turned off all avenues of media and have been hiding under a proverbial rock (and really, no judgement here!), you may have noticed Russia has been in the news a bit recently...… continue reading Conspiracy? Intrigue? Collusion? Read Some Russian History and Fantasy!
By written by Rachel F. July 18, 2018 3
[ Editor's note: We librarians offer literally thousands of programs every year. It's a special thrill to get formal feedback from our audiences. We can't publish every review we get,… continue reading Art, Gardens, and Stories: Making Philadelphia Home
By written by Administrator June 28, 2018
The Centaur Book Shop was opened on 1224 Chancellor Street in Philadelphia by Harold Mason. Initial funding was partially supplied by John Frederick Lewis, the Philadelphia bibliophile and… continue reading Philadelphia's Centaur Book Shop and Press, 1921-1942
By written by Alina J. June 22, 2018 3
The Print and Picture Collection recently added a group of photos to the Historical Images of Philadelphia Digital Collection featuring intrepid reporter Vivian Shirley climbing three… continue reading Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Reporter Vivian Shirley Climbs Philadelphia Landmarks!
By written by Laura S. May 31, 2018 2
Now that the fog has lifted from St. Patrick’s Day, it occurs to us at the Free Library that the holiday is the moment where the fact of an Irish diaspora is felt most strongly in… continue reading Remember an Gorta Mór: the Great Famine
By written by Adam F. March 26, 2018
Philly Theatre Week , presented by Theatre Philadelphia, is a 10-day celeration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant… continue reading Philly Theatre Week and a Look at Philadelphia Theatre History
By written by Karin S. February 9, 2018
We know all of Philly is still excited over the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl win, but there is another monumental sporting event to also get fired up for that begins at the end of this week: the… continue reading Local Athletes Competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics
By written by Administrator February 6, 2018 2
Back in September, the city of Philadelphia unveiled the first new statue at City Hall since 1923 and the first of an African American on any city-owned public property – that of… continue reading #BlackHistoryMonth: Celebrating The Life Of Octavius Catto
By written by Kate C. February 5, 2018 2
The Fish It all started with the fish. Like salmon, shad are born in fresh water, spend several years growing in the ocean, then return to their birthplace to spawn. The largest breeding… continue reading A History Minute: Neighborhood Beginnings - Fishtown
By written by Sally F. January 10, 2018 2
The beloved Parkway Central Library, celebrating its 90th birthday this year, is a defining building in our city. It seems natural that the Free Library of Philadelphia’s flagship location… continue reading Celebrate the City’s Beaux Arts Bonafides
By written by Julie B. December 4, 2017 1
Chances are you have driven, biked, run, walked, or partied on Kelly Drive, but have you ever wondered where it got its name? No, it’s not named for Grace Kelly , movie star and princess.… continue reading A History Minute: The Fortunes of Philadelphia - The Kellys
By written by Sally F. November 16, 2017 1
Contributing Writers: Julie Berger, Gina Bixler, Christopher Brown, Karen Lightner, Donald Root, Laura Stroffolino "Once constructed, it will remain a thing of beauty and a joy for all… continue reading Celebrating a Centennial: A Look Back on the History of the Parkway and the Parkway Central Library
By written by Administrator November 9, 2017
In Another Brooklyn , Jacqueline Woodson explores the complex coming-of-age story of the teenage August, while seamlessly weaving in the history of the late 1960s and 1970s. She shows how events… continue reading #OneBookWednesday: Another Brooklyn – Historical Backdrop
By written by Lo I. November 1, 2017
In the beginning Philadelphia was a river town. William’s Penn’s plan stretched from river to river, but the population clung to the shores of the Delaware and the docks and ships that… continue reading A History Minute: Neighborhood Beginnings - Moyamensing (aka Evergreen, Schuylkill, Graduate Hospital, South of South)
By written by Sally F. October 26, 2017
There are many things associated with Friday the 13th, including horror films, bad luck, phobias ( paraskevidekatriaphobia ). Historians believe that Friday the 13th comes from the number 13 being… continue reading Friday the 13th
By written by Christina P. October 13, 2017
The Philadelphia Colored Directory , a handbook of religious, social, political, professional, business activities of the Negroes of Philadelphia, was compiled by R. (Richard) R. (Robert) Wright,… continue reading The Philadelphia Colored Directory of 1910 Recently Scanned and Available for Download in Our Digital Collections
By written by Renee G. October 6, 2017 5
It has been more than 150 years since Octavius Catto may have slipped on a sack overcoat that hung by his front door, pushed a well-worn felt pocket hat over his parted hair, stepped out into the… continue reading Following Octavius V. Catto’s Footsteps
By written by Kalela W. September 25, 2017 13
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
Relatively few Americans have ever visited or know much about Russia, North Korea, and Turkey. Yet, each passing day seems to bring additional evidence that these nations are working to thwart… continue reading Looking Beyond the Headlines: What You Should Know About Russia, North Korea, and Turkey
By written by Richard L. August 14, 2017 3