Posts in “history-of-philadelphia” (57)
Blog Articles
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… continue reading Explore the Geology of the Wissahickon Park
By written by Brianna V. March 8, 2024 2
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… continue reading It's Women's History Month in March!
By written by Jennifer E. March 1, 2024 2
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… continue reading Mini Jawns: Black History in Philadelphia
By written by Administrator February 13, 2024
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.… continue reading James E. Dupree: Stolen Dreams Exhibit and Film Screening
By written by Natasha S. January 4, 2024 2
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… continue reading Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day
By written by Emily S. October 2, 2023
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… continue reading Reading the City: Books About Plans, Models, and Photos of Cities
By written by Francis B. May 24, 2023
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… continue reading Interior Chinatown and Philadelphia’s Chinatown: Intersecting Stories
By written by Terence W. May 5, 2023
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May! Also sometimes known as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, it first began during the 1970s with a week-long… continue reading Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May
By written by Inaara S. May 1, 2023
Did you know that in 1654, 23 Jewish refugees sailed to the port of New Amsterdam (presently New York City) and established the first Jewish community in what we now call the United States?… continue reading Honoring Jewish American Heritage Month
By written by Inaara S. May 1, 2023 1
A scrapbook from 1947 documents the Better Philadelphia Exhibition, a showcase of urban renewal projects planned for Center City. How do you represent a city? How do you take a superstructure of… continue reading The Better Philadelphia Exhibit: A Vision of the Future From 70 Years Ago
By written by Francis B. April 17, 2023
August is National Black Business Month ! Philadelphia is home to a wide array of Black-owned businesses, from art galleries to restaurants and so much more. Just how many Black-owned businesses… continue reading August is National Black Business Month
By written by Claire L. August 18, 2022
This June, the Free Library is celebrating Philadelphia’s immigrant communities! June is Immigrant Heritage Month , a time when we celebrate the beauty and strength of our city’s… continue reading Commemorating Immigrant Heritage Month This June
By written by Inaara S. June 3, 2022
In 2026, the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. All eyes will be on Philadelphia as we recognize the historic events that occurred here in 1776. The Free… continue reading Get Ready: 2026 Starts Now!
By written by Janine P. April 8, 2022
Most of us are familiar with the artwork created by the Works Progress Administration: the striking photography, the murals in state buildings and post offices, the posters, and the public… continue reading The Federal Writers' Project American Guides
By written by Nina C. January 18, 2022
Updated Tuesday, December 7, 2021 Sherry L. Howard is a Philadelphia-based art collector and researcher who primarily focuses on local African American art and artists. She writes about her… continue reading African American Art Collecting and Research with Philadelphia Author Sherry Howard
By written by Alina J. November 3, 2021
All October we'll be talking about LGBTQ History on the Free Library's blog! So far we've discussed LGBTQ Historical Young Adult Fiction and LGBTQ History Told Through Comics and… continue reading More Than Stonewall: LGBTQ Historical Nonfiction
By written by Shelley R. October 28, 2021
The New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s political experiment to pull the United States out of the Great Depression, created programs for relief for the unemployed and economic… continue reading Explore the New Deal’s Legacy Across Philadelphia
By written by Laura S. October 5, 2021
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From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, the intrepid agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service—James Bond, designated Agent 007—has epitomized masculine cool. Everyone knows how he… continue reading Uncovering the Real James Bond in the Rare Book Department
By written by Mharlyn M. September 20, 2021 3
by Lillian B. and Jake T. Afraid of shots or needles? Have questions about protecting your health? Get excited to learn with us this National Immunization Awareness Month ! Primarily,… continue reading It’s National Immunization Awareness Month!
By written by Administrator August 16, 2021
After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the torch will be lit once again this year as the rescheduled Summer Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan starting today,… continue reading Local Athletes Competing in the Summer Olympics
By written by Peter SM July 23, 2021 1