Tagged Black Histories of Philadelphia
Black Histories of Philadelphia: An Exhibition from Special Collections
The exhibition Black Histories of Philadelphia observes the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s countless histories. Some stories are kept, some fade over time, and others are misrepresented or…
Frank Stephens, Jr.: A Free Library Legacy
When Frank Stephens, Jr., passed away in March at the age of 89, many mourned the loss of a friend and colleague. Others were hearing about Frank for the first time. And it was an opportunity for all of us at the Free Library to learn…
Spotlight on Special Collections: Artist Dox Thrash and the WPA Printmaking Collection
Dox Thrash was an innovative artist and printmaker who gained recognition for his realistic and moving depictions of Black life while working for the federally-funded Philadelphia Fine Print Workshop. Dox…
Philly Jazz Legends: John Coltrane
This is the first in a series of posts highlighting major figures in jazz history who were from Philly (even if most ended up in New York City). A virtual book discussion of Wishing on the Moon: The Life and Times of Billie Holiday by…
A History Minute: The Many Firsts of Sadie T. M. Alexander
Women today often talk about the difficulty of "having it all", but Sadie T.M. Alexander was more concerned with "doing it all." She not only raised two children and worked to advance her husband’s political…
A History Minute: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Julian Abele, Architect of the Parkway
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 buildings and palatial estates throughout the…
Following Octavius V. Catto’s Footsteps
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 fall chill, and walked a few blocks down…
A History Minute: Octavius V. Catto - Philadelphia's Forgotten Freedom Fighter
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 property. It’s a lot of fuss over a man…