Posts in “history” (141)
Blog Articles
Now that the fog has lifted from St. Patrick’s Day, it occurs to us at the Free Library that the holiday is the moment where the fact of an Irish diaspora is felt most strongly in… continue reading Remember an Gorta Mór: the Great Famine
By written by Adam F. March 26, 2018
Daylight Saving Time , abbreviated DST, begins again this Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, when we will set our clocks forward one hour and gain more sunlight in the evenings.… continue reading Friday Five: Daylight Saving Time Springs Ahead This Sunday
By written by Christina P. March 9, 2018
Philly Theatre Week , presented by Theatre Philadelphia, is a 10-day celeration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant… continue reading Philly Theatre Week and a Look at Philadelphia Theatre History
By written by Karin S. February 9, 2018
As Head Designer of Horace Trumbauer’s architecture firm, Julian Abele designed the Free Library and the Philadelphia Art Museum and set the tone for the entire parkway. He designed… continue reading A History Minute: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Julian Abele, Architect of the Parkway
By written by Administrator February 7, 2018 10
Gladys Jamison couldn’t know this, but she was a girl coming of age in an exodus. Thirteen years old when her father moved her and her siblings to Brooklyn, she’d lost her mother five… continue reading #OneBookWednesday: Brooklyn, Black Girlhood, and the Great Migration
By written by Administrator November 22, 2017 3
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th throughout the state of Pennsylvania. During this general election, Philadelphians will elect both a new District Attorney and City Controller, as well as:… continue reading November 7th is Election Day
By written by Christina P. November 6, 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 Administrator September 25, 2017 13
On Sept. 26, 2017, the fence will come down and a new statue will be unveiled: the first new City Hall statue since 1923 and the first of an African American on any city-owned public… continue reading A History Minute: Octavius V. Catto - Philadelphia's Forgotten Freedom Fighter
By written by Administrator September 22, 2017
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
Almost 100 years before Ellis Island, Philadelphia established The Lazaretto Station. It became the point of entry for all ships and passengers arriving during the quarantine season of June… continue reading A History Minute: What is The Lazaretto?
By written by Administrator August 7, 2017 5
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
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 Administrator April 27, 2017
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
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
Input was a Philadelphia panel discussion program hosted by John S. Stokes, Jr. that aired Sunday mornings on WCAU-TV10 from 1968 through early 1971. The program is a window in to the people… continue reading Streaming Philadelphia History - Introducing Input with Marion Stokes & John S. Stokes, Jr
By written by Jamie W. May 5, 2014