Author Talk: David Alan Johnson

Wed, December 12, 2018 6:30 P.M.
Philadelphia City Institute

David Alan Johnson will present his book Diploma Mill: The Rise and Fall of Dr. John Buchanan and the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania and sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase. Diploma Mill recounts the true story of America’s largest medical diploma mill…

Adult Speakers and Lectures Philadelphia History

Senior Chat & Chew

Fri, December 14, 2018 11:00 A.M.
West Oak Lane Library

Join us and learn about services you can use.  We'll have refreshments, give-aways and lots of intormation.  Special guests will include: The Philadelphia Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services PECO LIHEAP Application assistance Property Tax Rent Rebate (deadline is 12/13/18).…

Senior Community Events Other Great Programs Philadelphia Seniors

Hands-on History at The Free Library, Parkway Central

Sat, January 12, 2019 2:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

The Better Philadelphia exhibition of 1947 symbolized a key moment in Philadelphia’s history of planned change. Designed by planners and architects, the exhibition introduced visitors to the field of professional urban planning, and its longstanding tradition in Philadelphia. The…

Adult Young Adult Senior Family Programs Speakers and Lectures Workshops and Enrichment Philadelphia Rare Books, Manuscripts, & Digital Collections Special Collections Changing City Hands-On History

Author Talk: Bill Double

Wed, January 16, 2019 6:30 P.M.
Philadelphia City Institute

Author Bill Double will present his book Charles E. Hires and the Drink That Wowed a Nation, which is an effervescent biography of Charles Elmer Hires, the Philadelphia pharmacist who introduced root beer to the American public. Books will be available for purchase. Bill Double is a…

Adult Speakers and Lectures Philadelphia

Author Talk: Kenneth Finkel

Wed, January 30, 2019 6:30 P.M.
Philadelphia City Institute

Author Kenneth Finkel will present his book Insight Philadelphia: Historical Essays Illustrated. Each of the nearly 100 essays in Insight Philadelphia tells a succinct, compelling, and little-known tale of the city’s past. Lavishly illustrated with archival images, these stories bring to…

Adult Speakers and Lectures Philadelphia Philadelphia History

Hands-on History at The Free Library, Parkway Central

Sat, February 9, 2019 2:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

Take history in the palm of your hand every second Saturday with the Free Library’s Special Collections! Hands-on History offers visitors the unique opportunity to turn the page of a historic manuscript, feel the inscription on an ancient cuneiform tablet, or even spin an antique globe.…

Adult Young Adult Senior Family Programs Speakers and Lectures Workshops and Enrichment Philadelphia Rare Books, Manuscripts, & Digital Collections Special Collections Hands-On History

Hands-on History at The Free Library, Parkway Central

Sat, February 16, 2019 2:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

A son of formerly enslaved people, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) was one of the first African American authors to become world-famous for his writings. During his short life, Dunbar authored books including poetry and novels. Some of Dunbar’s books were illustrated with…

Adult Young Adult Senior Family Programs Speakers and Lectures Workshops and Enrichment Black History Month Community Events Philadelphia Rosenbach Museum & Library Special Collections Hands-On History

Book Talk with Marquis Bey

Mon, February 25, 2019 6:30 P.M.
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Marquis Bay will discuss his new book " Them Goon Rules:  Essays on Radical Black Feminism" (due out February 2019), which reads like a critical memoir and queries the function and implications of politicizing Blackness, Black feminism, and queerness. " Them Goon Rules"…

Adult Senior Black History Month Other Great Programs Speakers and Lectures African American Author Events Philadelphia Social Justice

Hands-on History at The Free Library, Parkway Central

Sat, March 9, 2019 2:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

Before the advent of Google Maps and online satellite images, people relied on printed maps and aerial photographs. Come learn about the history of these “outdated” resources, and how they can be used today! Participants will look through select volumes of aerial photos and fire…

Adult Young Adult Senior Family Programs Speakers and Lectures Workshops and Enrichment Philadelphia Special Collections Maps Print and Picture Collection Changing City Hands-On History

Hands-on History at The Free Library, Parkway Central

Sat, April 13, 2019 2:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

Take history in the palm of your hand every second Saturday with the Free Library’s Special Collections! Hands-on History offers visitors the unique opportunity to turn the page of a historic manuscript, feel the inscription on an ancient cuneiform tablet, or even spin an antique globe.…

Adult Young Adult Senior Family Programs Speakers and Lectures Workshops and Enrichment Philadelphia Special Collections children's literature Hands-On History

Survivors and Casualties: Domestic Housing in Philadelphia During the 18th and 19th Centuries

Now through Sat, April 13, 2019 5:00 P.M.
Art Department at Parkway Central Library

Explore the long history of working-class housing in Philadelphia including the ubiquitous row home and the many residences that have disappeared in the name of progress. On display in the Art Department Hallway Gallery until mid-April, 2019

Adult Young Adult School Age Senior Exhibitions Philadelphia Philadelphia History History architecture

Philadelphia: The Changing City

Now through Sat, April 13, 2019 5:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

October 10, 2018 – April 13, 2019 From river to skyline and stoop to stoop, Philadelphia has been re-formed and re-shaped throughout its history. Its transformation from bustling port to workshop of the world to World Heritage City and hub for education, medicine, and entrepreneurship has…

Adult Young Adult School Age Senior Exhibitions Other Great Programs Citizenship Philadelphia Philadelphia History Photography Special Collections Maps Print and Picture Collection Changing City

Hands-on History at The Free Library, Parkway Central

Sat, May 11, 2019 2:00 P.M.
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library

In coordination with Tempesta di Mare GREAT BOOKS Classic Tales for Orchestra , Hands-on History explores literary masterpieces in Western literature that have inspired outstanding musical compositions. A selection of books and musical compositions will be shared, and on…

Adult Young Adult Senior Family Programs Speakers and Lectures Workshops and Enrichment Literature Music Philadelphia Special Collections children's literature Hands-On History