Tagged History of Philadelphia
The Influential Women Behind These Philadelphia Library Names
The Free Library system comprises 54 neighborhood libraries throughout the city, many named after celebrated Philadelphians. While the branches have become household names to their respective patron bases, some remain in the…
Black Histories of Philadelphia: Preserving Historical Sites
The exhibition Black Histories of Philadelphia observes the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s countless histories. Some stories are kept, some fade over time, and others are…
Philadelphia and the African American Stage
Theater plays a significant role in our society. Beyond entertaining us, it promotes education and literacy, and it promotes different perspectives on issues and historical events, as well as discussion, social change, and…
Black Histories of Philadelphia: An Exhibition from Special Collections
The exhibition Black Histories of Philadelphia observes the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s countless histories. Some stories are kept, some fade over time, and others are misrepresented or…
History in the Free Library Archives
For over 130 years, the Free Library has been serving the communities of Philadelphia. Because we believe that history is important and should be shared, we are working to make the Free Library of Philadelphia Archives an accessible and…
Flying High: History of Football in Philadelphia
Every Sunday in households across the United States, families gather around the television to watch the most popular sport in the country: football. It has become like a religion for those who watch football from home and enjoy the…
The Vidocq Society: Solving Cold Cases Through Collaboration
Are you a true crime fan who listens to every new episode from your favorite investigative podcast? Do you enjoy sitting on your couch with a true crime book or watching endless reruns of Dateline ? Join us at The Vidocq Society:…
Marion Stokes Saved Everything
On October 17, the Newspapers and Microfilm Center will host a screening of Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project . Stokes was a Philadelphia activist, librarian, public-access television producer, and secretly, an archivist of over 30…
Author of Unique Local History to Speak at the Free Library
On Friday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m. , the Social Science and History Department will host Antje Ulrike Mattheus , the author of a unique book on Philadelphia history. Cresheim Farm: An American History of Conquest,…
Department Highlights: Social Science and History
Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections…
Revolution at the Library Programming Returns
This summer, the Free Library of Philadelphia is excited to announce the return of the Revolution at the Library program, in partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution . This partnership includes engaging and…
Collection Spotlight: Exploring Queer Histories
In celebration of Pride Month , the Free Library’s Social Science and History Department is displaying books from the collection that give an overview of the study of queer history. LGBTQ+ people have always existed and will…
Black and Queer in Philadelphia: A Conversation
On Wednesday, June 26, at 6:00 p.m. , the Newspapers and Microfilm Center is proud to present Black and Queer in Philadelphia — a program with Gary Hines in conversation with James Charles Roberts and Sappho Reynan…
Explore the Geology of the Wissahickon Park
William Penn’s dream of having a “Green Country Towne” inspired many generations to preserve parks and green spaces throughout the city and region. One prime example of this is the great Wissahickon Valley Park ,…
It's Women's History Month in March!
Happy Women’s History Month , Philadelphia! What began as a local educational initiative in Sonoma, California 46 years ago, has evolved into a month-long celebration "commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and…
Mini Jawns: Black History in Philadelphia
In honor of Black History Month, the Free Library released another Mini Jawns series exploring important moments in Philadelphia's Black History. Check out more Mini Jawns episodes on the Audioboom platform, including an…
James E. Dupree: Stolen Dreams Exhibit and Film Screening
Join the Art Department on Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m. , for a free screening of the documentary film Broken Dreams . The feature documentary Broken Dreams highlights artist James E. Dupree, his massive art studio in West…
Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day
The Free Library is proud to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day, celebrated on Monday, October 9, 2023 . Philadelphia is now one of the over 100 cities that have chosen to celebrate the holiday in lieu of Columbus Day. The official…
Reading the City: Books About Plans, Models, and Photos of Cities
Last month we released a post about the Better Philadelphia Exhibition , a 1947 exhibit designed by architects and city planners showing the citizens of Philadelphia their plans for urban renewal in Center City. The exhibition is…
Interior Chinatown and Philadelphia’s Chinatown: Intersecting Stories
One Book, One Philadelphia is officially in full swing! We had the kickoff on April 20 with Interior Chinatown author Charles Yu tuning in from his home in California. I encourage you to check out the podcast of our conversation . We…