Architecture and Urbanism Series - History and Architecture of West Philadelphia
Social Science and History Department at Parkway Central Library
Elizabeth Willing Powell and Paul Robeson, Anthony J. Drexel and Billie Holiday, Wilt Chamberlain and Paul Cret, John Penn and Horace Trumbauer all called it home. Their neighborhood gave us the nation’s first botanic garden, its first zoo, and its first computer, not to mention Breyers Ice Cream and American Bandstand.
Join this six-week course with Bruce Laverty and the Wagner Free Institute of Science for a trip through West Philadelphia history and architecture and find out what made (and continues to make) Philadelphia’s “left bank” such a successful incubator of innovation.
This course is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Monday, April 15 | 4th Floor Conference Rooms 405-406-407 | 6:30 p.m.
About the Professor
Bruce Laverty is a historian who specializes in Philadelphia history and architecture. He is an adjunct professor at Drexel University where he teaches History of Philadelphia Architecture, Introduction to Historic Preservation, History of the Philadelphia Rowhouse, and Green Country Town: Penn’s Legacy in City & Suburb. He is founding director of the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project and the Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network. In 2021 he received the James Biddle Award for lifetime achievement in Historic Preservation from the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.
About the Wagner Free Institute of Science
The Wagner is a National Historic Landmark natural history museum and educational institution. Founded in 1855, it is dedicated to providing free science education. To sign up, follow the link on the Wagner’s website.
Class lecture schedule is as follows; readings will be provided at the first class.
1. Monday, March 25, 2024 – Where the West Began, 1681-1805
2. Monday, April 1, 2024 – Country House Enclave to Street Car Suburb, 1806-1869
3. Monday, April 8, 2024 – When the World Came to West Philadelphia, 1870-1907
4. Monday, April 15, 2024 – (West) Philadelphia Improvements, 1908-1955
5. Monday, April 22, 2024 – Investment and Disinvestment, 1956-1999
6. Monday, April 29, 2024 – The New Center, 2000-2024
Social Science and History Department
Room 201
215-686-5396
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357)