Posts in “history” (162)
Blog Articles
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
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
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