Calendar
2009 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.
The Empty Coffin: John Brown and Philadelphia
6 p.m. Wednesday, December 2
December 2 marks the 150th anniversary of the hanging of John Brown, a radical abolitionist who organized a raid on an arsenal in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. After his death, John Brown’s body traveled through Philadelphia. The mayor worried about riots in the streets, so a plan was devised to sneak Brown’s body away safely. Learn about this story and commemorate the anniversary of this pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights. The guest speaker will be Dr. Louis A. DeCaro Jr., author of Fire from the Midst of You: A Religious Life of John Brown. Check out DeCaro's blog at http://abolitionist-john-brown.blogspot.com/ After the lecture, guests can view original documents from the collections of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Library Company of Philadelphia, including John Brown’s will. FREE
This event is cosponsored by the Library Company of Philadelphia.
Young Friends Treasure Hunt & Wine Reception
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 3
Have you ever seen a handwritten draft of the Constitution? How about a printer’s proof of the Declaration of Independence? These documents and many more are housed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and we are taking them out of the vault for one night only—for a Young Friends treasure hunt. Guests will search through historic documents to find the hidden clues and answer a list of tricky questions. The treasure hunt is the inaugural event for HSP's Young Friends group. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Space is limited. Refreshments provided by Tria.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday December 9
Join the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Honorable Mayor Michael A. Nutter as we celebrate the launch of PhilaPlace. The official annoucement will be made in the Mayor's Reception Room, followed by a reception with refreshments and live entertainment in Conversation Hall. Be there as we introduce PhilaPlace to the community and thank everyone who made this project possible. Food provided by the South 9th Street Businessmen's Association. Beverages provided by Yards Brewing Company. FREE
Event sponsored by Southwest Airlines, the official airline of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Directions to the Mayor's Reception Room: Enter at the Northeast Entrance to City Hall (opposite the Marriott). You will need a picture ID to get through Security. Take the elevator to the 2nd Floor. The Mayor's Reception Room is down the hall to the right.
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