2010 Events
All events will be held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, unless otherwise noted. Programs are subject to change.
Richard Allen: Apostle of Freedom
6 p.m. Wednesday, February 10
Panel Discussion and Show-and-Tell
This month marks the 250th birthday of Bishop Richard Allen, a revered figure in African American history and one of the nation’s leading abolitionists. Though enslaved at birth, he eventually purchased his own freedom, started several businesses, and created one of the first independent black churches in America -- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, now known as “Mother Bethel” AME. Allen was also the first African American figure to eulogize a president, the first black author (with Absalom Jones) to hold a federal copyright, and the first African American bishop in the United States.
Join the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Library Company of Philadelphia for a celebration of Allen’s life and legacy. Pastors from Mother Bethel AME Church, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church, and Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church will participate in a panel discussion, along with history professor Richard Newman, author of Freedom’s Prophet: Bishop Richard Allen, the AME Church, and the Black Founding Fathers. The moderator will be University of Pennsylvania professor Anthea Butler, who specializes in African American religious history. Learn about Richard Allen’s many contributions to American religion, society, and culture. After the discussion, guests can view original documents from HSP and LCP that relate to Richard Allen. These documents will also be posted as an online exhibit at www.hsp.org. FREE
Special thanks to our media sponsor, the Philadelphia Tribune
Petty’s Island: The Untold Story
6 p.m. Wednesday, February 17
Documentary and Lecture
Petty’s Island has a long and storied history, from its beginnings as a Native American settlement to its 17th-century use as a slave depot. The island, located in the Delaware River, also had a reputation as a dangerous place—the site of gambling, duels, and shipwrecks. Learn the story of Petty’s Island and watch the documentary Petty’s Island: A Sacred Part of America's Story, produced by the Camden City African American Commission and the South Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance as part of the Scribe Video Center's Precious Places Community History Project. From January 29 through April 11, HSP will host an exhibit created by contemporary artist Duke Riley and inspired by the history of Petty’s Island. FREE
When History and Art Collide
6 p.m. Wednesday, February 24
Panel Discussion
As part of the Philagrafika 2010 festival, five Philadelphia organizations with historical collections were paired with contemporary artists, and this partnership spawned unique and varied works of art. This panel discussion will bring together artists, historians, curators, and community leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of these innovative collaborations. FREE
A Tribute to a Tree of Peace
6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4
Lecture and Dance Performance
Legend holds that in 1682 William Penn and Lenape Chief Tamanend made a treaty beneath a large elm tree along the Delaware River. The tree, in what is now Penn Treaty Park, was uprooted during a storm in March 1810. On the 200th anniversary of the felling of the tree, join HSP and the Penn Treaty Museum as we commemorate the signing of the treaty, long a symbol of religious and civil liberty. Guests will enjoy singing, dancing, and drumming from Native Americans from the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation and a lecture by Dr. Gregory Schaaf, director of the Center for Indigenous Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Followed by a reception and a display of historic documents and artifacts. To learn more about the Penn Treaty, visit www.penntreatymuseum.org. FREE
Mapping Our History
4:30–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10
Teacher Workshop
Mapping projects allow students to connect with local history as they gather, analyze, and interpret information about their neighborhood. This PhilaPlace workshop will suggest approaches for developing local history mapping lessons and discuss ways to incorporate immigration and oral history into such projects. To learn more about PhilaPlace, visit PhilaPlace.org. Attendance qualifies for two hours of Act 48 credit. Teachers must register in advance. FREE
Documents and Drinks: A History of Rittenhouse Square
6 p.m. Monday, March 15
A Treasures Society Event
Rittenhouse Square, once a marshy plot surrounded by workers’ shanties, has transformed through the years into the epicenter of Philadelphia high society. Members of the Treasures Society and their guests are invited to join us for a lecture by Nancy M. Heinzen, author of The Perfect Square: A History of Rittenhouse Square. The lecture will be followed by a reception and a show-and-tell of Rittenhouse Square historic photographs and documents from HSP’s collection.
Global Philadelphia
6 p.m. Wednesday, April 14
Panel discussion
A newly published book from Temple University Press, Global Philadelphia: Immigrant Communities, Old and New, provides a comprehensive overview of the processes and consequences of immigration to Philadelphia over time. Each of the 12 chapters focuses on a specific group and time period, and together the essays examine immigrant experiences in comparative and historical perspective. Editors and contributors to the book will participate in this panel discussion about why immigrants move to Philadelphia, how these new residents adapt and form communities, and the impact on the city’s social and cultural landscape. FREE
Building on History: 100 Years at 13th and Locust
Tuesday, April 20
Exhibit Opening
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of HSP’s building at 13th and Locust streets in Philadelphia. Since its founding in 1824, HSP moved several times before purchasing its current home. The property was the site of the former mansion of Civil War general Robert Patterson. The Historical Society purchased the mansion in 1882 and in the early 1900s contracted architect Addison Hutton to construct a new state-of-the-art fireproof building. In celebration of the building’s 100 years, HSP will present an onsite and online exhibit documenting the history of the building and its construction. FREE for members, $1 for nonmembers
Beyond the Bricks
Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m., Monday, April 26
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
In 1882 the Historical Society of Pennsylvania purchased a mansion at the corner of 13th and Locust streets. It soon became clear that the society needed a fireproof structure and more space to house its growing collection. In the early 1900s, the society constructed a new building on the property, designed by Addison Hutton. As part of the building’s 100th anniversary celebration, we invite the public to experience HSP as they never have before. Learn about the building and take a behind-the-scenes tour focused on the architectural history of HSP. $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers
A 1910 Celebration
6 p.m. Thursday, April 29
At its annual Founder’s Award dinner, HSP will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its building. This year the Founder’s Award will be presented to Cokie Roberts, senior news analyst for NPR News and a political commentator for ABC News. The Founder's Award will also be presented to Jerry Shestack, a prominent lawyer and advocate for human rights, and Marciarose Shestack, a former primetime news anchor and award-winning talk show host. Henry Lafayette Collins III, a former member of HSP’s Board of Councilors, will receive the Heritage Award. If you would like to receive an invitation, please contact Emilie Kretschmar at 215-732-6200 ext. 300 or ekretschmar@hsp.org.
Online Research Tools at HSP
6 p.m. Wednesday, May 5
Genealogy Workshop
All members and visitors to HSP can access Ancestry.com Library Edition and Historic Map Works Library Edition. At this workshop, you will see a live demo of both of these research tools, learn about helpful search features, and find out how to print and save your results. Ancestry Library Edition is one of the most important genealogical collections available and includes thousands of databases and billions of names. Historic Map Words is an extensive digital map collection used to track "residential genealogy" and research ancestral lands and locations. The instructor will be Sharon Palchak, customer education and training specialist with ProQuest. ProQuest provides complimentary training webinars on genealogy and local history resources at www.proquest.com/training. FREE for members; $15 for nonmembers. Cost includes a one-day admission to HSP's research library. To become member of HSP, click here.
Folklore and Family History
6 p.m. Wednesday, May 12
Genealogy Workshop
Are you descended from a Cherokee Indian princess? Was your ancestor a Loyalist during the Revolutionary War? Everyone has family legends and stories passed down through the generations, and it can be challenging to determine whether these stories are fact or fiction. At this workshop, learn what types of records and resources can help you verify the folklore in your family tree. The instructor will be Dr. Daniel Rolph, PhD in folklore and folklife and the resident historian for HSP. Dr. Rolph is also the author of To Shoot, Burn, and Hang: Folk History from a Kentucky Mountain Family and Community. Attendees are asked to come with a family legend to share with the group, or e-mail their stories in advance to Dr. Rolph at drolph@hsp.org. FREE for members; $15 for nonmembers. Cost includes a one-day admission to HSP's research library. To become member of HSP, click here.
Protecting your Memories
6 p.m. Wednesday, May 19
Genealogy Workshop
If you want to preserve old scrapbooks or make new scrapbooks as family keepsakes, it is important to use the proper tools. This seminar will teach you how to preserve old materials and how to choose the best new materials to protect your family's memories. The seminar will address contemporary papers, adhesives, and conservation tools and materials and tell you where to find them. Are you using the right glue? What does acid-free mean? HSP’s Director of Conservation Tara O’Brien will answer all your questions. FREE for members; $15 for nonmembers. Cost includes a one-day admission to HSP's research library. To become member of HSP, click here.
African American Genealogy at HSP
6 p.m. Wednesday, May 26
Genealogy Workshop
The vast collections at HSP document the lives of African Americans from the colonial period until the 20th century. Many of these resources may provide genealogical evidence to your ancestor’s enslaved or free past. Learn tips on researching African American ancestry in general and at HSP. This workshop is for all levels of researchers. The instructor will be Shamele Jordan, researcher, writer, and former president of the African American Genealogy Group in Philadelphia. FREE for members; $15 for nonmembers. Cost includes a one-day admission to HSP's research library. To become member of HSP, click here.
Colonial Brews: Philadelphia’s Early Taverns and the Drinks They Served
6 p.m. Thursday, June 10
A Young Friends Event
It is said the first thing William Penn did when he disembarked from the Welcome in 1682 was to have a pint of ale at the Blue Anchor Tavern. Ben Franklin’s had his first hot meal at the Crooked Billet Tavern. And the Penny Pot Tavern at Front and Vine Streets was so-named because the Duke of York decreed that the price of beer be a penny a pot (pint). In colonial Philadelphia, taverns were more numerous than churches. It was at these "public houses" where our founding fathers gathered to eat, drink, and haggle over the details of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy a beer tasting and a presentation by brewery historian Rich Wagner. To learn more about HSP's Young Friends, click here. $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers
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