Posts in “history” (173)
Blog Articles
It’s getting hot out there, huh? As we all try our best to deal with the rising temperatures, don’t forget that the Free Library of Philadelphia is a great place to cool off during… continue reading Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. August 1, 2017
For the members of our Military History Club, each monthly meeting leads to a passionate and well-informed discussion about the major personalities and battles of World War II. The group is led by… continue reading Monthly Military History Club Discusses Major Personalities and Battles of World War II
By written by Richard L. July 17, 2017 1
By 1800, Philadelphia was not only the Cradle of Liberty but the center of American manufacturing and innovation. It was the kind of place a young man of vision who was not afraid to get his hands… continue reading A History Minute: The Fortunes of Philadelphia - The Engineers
By written by Sally F. July 10, 2017 7
Mid-19th century Philadelphia was booming. Its factories produced iron and steel, locomotives and textiles, and finished goods of all kinds. Immigrants and citizens alike flowed into the city to… continue reading A History Minute: The Fortunes of Philadelphia - The Trolley Kings
By written by Sally F. June 21, 2017 1
Church bells ring incessantly throughout deserted streets. Homes are abandoned and those that are not are barricaded against strangers and friends alike. Formerly bustling markets stand empty… continue reading A History Minute: The "Philadelphia Apocalypse" a.k.a. Yellow Fever
By written by Sally F. June 6, 2017 15
In the spring of 1776 , the British began a blockade of American ports, throwing coastal shipping into disarray and sending many captains back to the more secure European routes. But a young… continue reading The Richest Man in America
By written by Sally F. April 27, 2017
The Free Library is exploring the history and art of the mystery with We the Detectives , a unique, multifaceted, and immersive intellectual and creative experience. Here we track the growth of… continue reading #MysteryMonday: The History of Mystery: A By-No-Means-Exhaustive Timeline
By written by Julie B. April 17, 2017
Philadelphia was the place to be in July of 1976. Even Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain came to present the Bicentennial Bell , cast in the same foundry as our Liberty Bell. The 4,000+… continue reading A History Minute: Philadelphia's Medical Mystery
By written by Sally F. March 16, 2017
The Rare Book Department 's Judaica includes a beautifully written and lavishly hand-decorated Spanish Hebrew Masoretic Text bible . Commissioned in 1496 in Lisbon, Portugal, the book is… continue reading Librarian Traces Family Roots Through Historic Bible
By written by Caitlin G. February 24, 2017
New Orleans is always on my mind at this time of year. Mardi Gras is more than just Fat Tuesday in the Big Easy, and the celebrations extend far beyond Bourbon Street: parades take place all… continue reading Literary Scenes from New Orleans
By written by Sara D. February 23, 2017
Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and other tech billionaire/philanthropists may have set new standards in giving, but philanthropy is an old Philadelphia tradition with two of our earliest… continue reading African American Philanthropists in Early Philadelphia
By written by Sally F. February 22, 2017 8
So, what’s the story with Abraham Lincoln wearing a leather biker jacket? If you’ve ever entered or exited Parkway Central Library through the back door on Wood Street, you might have… continue reading Abraham Lincoln: Fashion Trendsetter or Patent Pioneer?
By written by Paul A. February 17, 2017 3
The peaceful transfer of power from one presidential administration to the next is a hallmark of our democracy—and something that Americans take great pride in. The occasion is particularly… continue reading Presidential Inaugural Stories and Anecdotes
By written by Richard L. January 17, 2017 1
Philadelphia is a wild and weird city. There’s so much to love, to hate, to love to hate, and to hate to love. There’s also so much that we, as every day Philadelphians, have somehow… continue reading Philadelphia: City of the Uncanny and the Arcane
By written by Sarah M. January 5, 2017
Are you a fan of HBO’s television series Game of Thrones ? The sixth season of the series based on George R. R. Martin’s fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire ended in June, and… continue reading The Real Game of Thrones - Historical Events that Inspired the Novels and Show
By written by Camille T. November 29, 2016 3
I don’t know why I’m so fascinated by the British Royal Family (remember my excitement about the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton back in 2011?). Perhaps it’s… continue reading Grab a Cup of Tea and Learn About the Queen
By written by Camille T. November 14, 2016
It’s National Native American Heritage Month and the Free Library of Philadelphia is celebrating by reading books by authors who write about their Native heritage. We’re especially… continue reading How Well Do You Know Native American Authors Sherman Alexie and Louise Erdrich?
By written by Becky F. November 8, 2016 1
The anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks is a time for reflection, but it’s also a time for conversation. The generation of children that can remember the attack is now… continue reading Talking about September 11 with Children
By written by Chris B. September 9, 2016
The Print and Picture Collection is happy to announce the addition of over 100 photographic images by William Rapp to our Historical Images of Philadelphia digital… continue reading William Rapp Collection of Historical Images of Philadelphia
By written by Laura S. August 29, 2016
Our literary Christmas is almost upon us: Philadelphia’s favorite bookish holiday— Bloomsday —arrives on Thursday, June 16, and we couldn’t be more excited! This annual… continue reading Philadelphia’s Literary Christmas—Bloomsday!
By written by Julie B. May 27, 2016