The Better Philadelphia exhibition of 1947 symbolized a key moment in Philadelphia’s history of planned change. Designed by planners and architects, the exhibition introduced visitors to the field of professional urban planning, and its longstanding tradition in Philadelphia. The exhibition was coordinated with Philadelphia public schools. Teachers were encouraged to bring their students to the exhibition, and to discuss topics related to urban planning prior to their arrival. In fact, student helped curate a section of the exhbition, by creating the plans and models related to neighborhood improvements. This free exhibit was hosted in Gimbel’s department store. Richard Gimbel, the son of this department store’s founder, was both civic minded, and an avid bibliophile. Almost 25 year after the exhibition was held, he gifted his outstanding Edgar Allan Poe Collection, as well as the house in which Poe once lived, to the Free Library.  

Take history in the palm of your hand: turn pages, hold manuscripts, and handle artifacts with the Hands-on History series from the Free Library's Special Collections. Curiosity seekers age 13 and up are welcome! Registration is free, but required. 

Seating is limited. Click here to get your free tickets!

Find out more about our Hands-on History series!