Butterflies!

11-04-2006 - 11-04-2010

Academy of Natural Sciences

http://www.ansp.org/museum/butterflies/index.php

Academy of Natural Sciences - 19th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia PA 19103

Admission:

Start Time(s):

Stroll among live butterflies from around the world in a warm, tropical garden setting at The Academy of Natural Sciences' ''Butterflies!'' exhibit This new, permanent exhibition features a lush garden filled with colorful plants and dozens of exotic butterflies from around the world Admission to the Butterflies exhibit is an additional $2 per person

Dialogues with Darwin

04-01-2009 - 10-17-2010

American Philosophical Society Museum

http://www.apsmuseum.org

American Philosophical Society Museum - 104 S Fifth Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission:

Start Time(s):

The American Philosophical Society holds the largest collection of Darwin materials in North America It is second only to Cambridge University as a resource for studying the life and work of Charles Darwin Included are books and manuscripts related to the life and work of this seminal figure in the field of biology: the handwritten title page of On the Origin of Species and over 700 letters that reflect his correspondence with other scientists The APS collection also contains extensive materials on the history of the theory of evolution Dialogues with Darwin draws on this remarkable collection to stimulate three kinds of dialogues with Darwin's ideas Historical books and letters document the scientific dialogue between Darwin and his science colleagues Commissioned artworks, integrated into the exhibition, create a contemporary dialogue linking present to past and art to science Innovative interpretative activities and materials, embedded in the exhibition as well as on the web, give visitors the opportunity to participate in their own dialogues not only with Darwin, but also with current Darwin experts and even with each other This event is a part of the Year of Evolution, a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin

Whole of Nature and the Mirror of Art

01-01-2009 - 12-31-2009

Chemical Heritage Foundation

http://www.chemheritage.org/exhibits/ex-nav3-whole.html

Chemical Heritage Foundation - 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: 0

Start Time(s):

Alchemy's most familiar pursuits--transmuting lead into gold and producing an elixir to prolong life--seemed reasonable in their day, though even then they were the subject of learned study and debate Although alchemy ceased to be considered a serious scientific endeavor by the mid-18th century, its ideas and symbols remain embedded in our culture Current scholarship is still rediscovering what alchemy was to past practitioners and thinkers

The Whole of Nature and the Mirror of Art examines the world of the alchemist through photo-reproductions, mounted on glass panels, of engravings from alchemical books published in the 17th century These beautiful, fantastically detailed engravings depict a wide range of topics, including the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone and fanciful images of the search for knowledge and attempts to understand the natural world

Transmutations

01-01-2009 - 12-31-2009

Chemical Heritage Foundation

http://www.chemheritage.org/exhibits/ex-nav3-transmute.html

Chemical Heritage Foundation - 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission:

215-925-9222

Start Time(s):

In artistic depictions of alchemy, science and art blend to tell nuanced stories about the cultures that produced the two fields The tone of European alchemical art from across the centuries can range from representational to humanizing, often using caricature, subtle satire, and theatrical gestures and poses

Transmutations features depictions of chemistry and alchemy from the 17th through the 19th centuries The paintings' subjects include detailed scenes of busy workshops where alchemists perform distillation, metallurgy, uroscopy, and tooth pulling Portrayals of alchemists range from a figure of human folly to that of an honest laborer Later paintings show a romanticized view of alchemy and illustrate how changes in artistic taste and convention also fueled misunderstandings about the practice of alchemy Representations like those featured in the exhibit provide insight on the kind of work that alchemists did and on the ways that they have been revered, reviled, and remembered

Admission is by appointment only; please call the number above to schedule your visit

sLowlife

03-02-2009 - 12-31-2009

Chemical Heritage Foundation

http://www.chemheritage.org/exhibits/ex-nav3-slowlife.html

Chemical Heritage Foundation - 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: 0

Start Time(s):

Think a shoot can't shoo-be-do?
Slow down, watch carefully, and see eager sprouts dance to greet the dawn at sLowlife, a dynamic multimedia exhibition that presents plants as complex, living beings This mesmerizing exhibit features time-lapse movies that show plants sense and respond to their environment The gallery-style presentation includes photographs of remarkable plants, original sound compositions based on plant movements, and live plant material

Painted Metaphors: The Pottery and Politics of the Ancient Maya

04-05-2009 - 01-31-2010

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

http://paintedmetaphors.museum.upenn.edu/

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology - 3260 South Street Philadelphia PA 19104

Admission: Admission donation: $10 adults; $7 seniors; $6 students with ID, children 6 to 17 Free for children 5 and younger, Penncard holders, Penn Museum members

Start Time(s): Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm Sunday, 1 to 5pm

Penn Museum's unique collection of brilliantly painted Chama vessels opens a window into the lives of the ordinary Maya of 1,300 years ago, and the way they dealt with the challenge of forced change

Daytime Historic Site Tours

04-06-2009 - 01-01-2037

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site - 2027 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia PA 19130

Admission: $1200 Adults $1000 Senior Citizens $800 Students $800 Kids (Age 7 - 12) Children under 7 are not allowed

Start Time(s): 10 am-5 pm

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers

Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row Admission includes the “Voices of Eastern State” audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi

The restored synagogue and accompanying exhibit on Jewish life at Eastern State will be open each day for a special guided tour at 3:15 pm Space is limited

Rainbow Yarn: Navajo Rugs, Germantown Yarns and the Pennsylvania Connection

03-27-2009 - 12-31-2009

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum

http://www.quiltandtextilemuseum.com/exhibitions/current/current.php

Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum -

Admission: $6 (Adult) $4 (Student with valid ID) FREE! for Members and Children ages 17 and under FREE! on First Fridays from 5-9 pm Contact the museum for group discounts

Start Time(s): Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5 pm First Fridays, 5-9 pm See the official website for holiday hours

Rainbow Yarn brings together rare examples of Navajo weavings from private collections and museums across the country This exhibition, guest curated by nationally recognized scholar and dealer Brant Mackley, focuses on the history and influence of the wool yarn produced in the Germantown section of Philadelphia upon Navajo weavings Featuring more than 40 weavings and a host of other objects including comparative materials, the exhibition chronicles how these brilliantly-colored, tightly-bound Germantown yarns were introduced by traders to Navajo weavers in the American southwest

Colony to Community: The Story of New Sweden Exhibition

06-07-2009 - 11-22-2009

American Swedish Historical Museum

http://www.americanswedish.org/

American Swedish Historical Museum - 1900 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia PA 19145

Admission: Adults: $6 Seniors, Students and Children 12-18: $5 Children under 12 are admitted free of charge

Start Time(s): Tueday-Friday: 10 am-4 pm Weekends: Noon-4 pm

The new special exhibition Colony to Community: The Story of New Sweden explores the origins of the New Sweden Colony, the cultural endurance of the Swedes and Finns that continued to immigrate to the Delaware Valley and how New Sweden’s legacy is commemorated today

The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

05-29-2009 - 11-29-2009

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

http://www.phillywalk.com

Independence Visitor Center - 1 N Independence Mall West Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: $1750 for adults $1250 for children ages 3-12

2155251776

info@theconstitutional.com

http://www.phillywalk.com

Start Time(s): Frequent departures throughout the day from the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets

Since Philadelphia is best seen by foot, The Constitutional Walking Tour is the best way to explore America's Birthplace, taking you behind the scenes to the places where other tours cannot venture Get up close with a High-Definition Historical Experience and see more than 20 historic sites in 75 minutes on a 125 mile outdoor walking journey, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

05-29-2009 - 11-28-2009

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

http://www.spiritsof76.com

Various Locations -

Admission: $1750 for adults, $1250 for children ages 3-12

2155251776

info@spiritsof76.com

http://www.spiritsof76.com

Start Time(s): Tour times vary by month May: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm June: Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 pm July and August: Every night at 7:30 pm, Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 9:30 pm September: Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 PM October: Every night at 7:30 PM, Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 9:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 6 PM, Saturday at 1 PM November: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM Tours depart from the Cosi Restaurant at 325 Chestnut Street (corner of 4th and Chestnut Streets) Call 2155251776 for updated tour schedule

Dare to take the Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour of Philadelphia and hear terrifying tales from Haunted Philadelphia while you visit more than 20 of Philly's Frights & Sights! The Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour of Philadelphia is One Part History, Two Parts Haunt! Visit more than 20 scary sites to hear Philadelphia's haunted facts and folklore Experience Philadelphia's monuments by moonlight Travel the cobblestone streets of Old City to hear chilling stories about the Spirits of '76

Lenape Cooking

11-27-2009 - 11-27-2009

Friday

Mercer Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=November&year=2009&location=1

Mercer Museum - 84 S Pine Street Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $4 youth (5-17), under 5 free

215-345-0210

Start Time(s): 12 pm

Celebrate American Indian Heritage Month learning about Eastern Woodland Indian foodways with culinary historian, Susan Plaisted Program takes place in the museum's Log House Included with museum admission

Holiday Open House

12-08-2009 - 12-08-2009

Tuesday

Mercer Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=November&year=2009&location=1

Mercer Museum - 84 S Pine Street Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: Free

215-345-0210

Start Time(s): 7 pm

Delight in the sounds, scents, and scenes of the holidays at the Mercer’s traditional Holiday Open House The festivities kick-off with a musical parade escorting Ole’ St Nick to the museum’s log house where he will be stationed all evening to take children’s requests and hand out keepsake ornaments Sip hot cider, sing along with carolers, listen to musical performances, and wish your troubles away by participating in the "burning of the greens" Across the street are more holiday festivities at the Michener Art Museum Free

Hark, It's Heraldry Youth Program

11-28-2009 - 11-28-2009

Saturday

Fonthill Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=November&year=2009&location=2

Fonthill Museum - E Court Street and Route 313 Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $9

215-348-9461,ext 10

fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org

Start Time(s): 1 pm

Kids, ages 6-12 discover how Henry Mercer used images from medieval heraldry in creating some of his tile designs and will create their own coat of arms to take home

Holiday Festivities for the Family

12-06-2009 - 12-06-2009

Sunday

Fonthill Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=December&year=2009&location=2

Fonthill Museum - E Court Street and Route 313 Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: Free

215-348-9461

Start Time(s): 12 pm

Enjoy Fonthill’s holiday decorations during the annual ground floor open house Sip hot cider and make a handmade ornament Walk to the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, enjoy hot chocolate, holiday music and a visit with Santa

Graham Cracker Castles

12-12-2009 - 12-12-2009

Saturday

Fonthill Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=December&year=2009&location=2

Fonthill Museum - E Court Street and Route 313 Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $12

215-348-9461, ext 10

fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org

Start Time(s): 10 am, 1 pm

Fonthill serves as inspiration as families work together to create an architectural masterpiece complete with icing and gumdrops

Fonthill Holiday Lights Meander

12-12-2009 - 12-12-2009

Saturday

Fonthill Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=December&year=2009&location=2

Fonthill Museum - E Court Street and Route 313 Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $15

215-348-9461, ext 10

fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org

Start Time(s): 6:30 pm

Meander at your own pace through Henry Mercer’s unique castle-like home to enjoy the seasonal decorations, candles, Christmas trees, and greens throughout Live music and light refreshments included

Candlelight Holiday Tours

12-26-2009 - 12-26-2009

Saturday

Fonthill Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=December&year=2009&location=2

Fonthill Museum - E Court Street and Route 313 Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $12

215-348-9461, ext 10

fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org

Start Time(s): 6 pm

Join Fonthill for a special evening guided tour of Fonthill and experience the castle as it takes on a candlelight glow for the holidays

Fil er' Up: Vintage Gas Stations of Bucks County

10-10-2009 - 12-31-2009

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Mercer Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=October&year=2009&location=1

Mercer Museum - 84 S Pine Street Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $4 youth (5-17), under 5 free

215-345-0210

Start Time(s): 10 am

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first successful oil well, and the birth of the American Oil Industry in 1859, the Museum presents this exhibit of vintage photographs of filling and service stations from the 1920s through the 1960s, supplemented with artifacts from the museum's collection

Winter Lego Robotics Camp

12-28-2009 - 12-30-2009

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Mercer Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org/events_calendar.htm?month=December&year=2009&location=1

Mercer Museum - 84 S Pine Street Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: $85

215-345-0210, ext 123

Start Time(s): 8:30 am & 12:30 pm

Children build with Legos and power their creations with computer technology Must have completed “Lego Robotics – Basics” camp, or currently be in grades 4-6

Silhouette Sittings

12-12-2009 - 12-12-2009

Saturday

Mercer Museum

http://www.mercermuseum.org

Mercer Museum - 84 S Pine Street Doylestown PA 18901

Admission: Call for pricing information

215-345-0210, ext 130

museumshop@mercermuseum.org

Start Time(s): 10 am

Silhouette artist Blanche Turner demonstrates the art of silhouette cutting Reservations required to have a custom silhouette made Event also takes place December 19

Bus Trip Emlen Physick Estate and Cape May's Designer Show House

12-02-2009 - 12-02-2009

Wednesday

Community Arts Center

http://www.communityartscenter.org/events

Community Arts Center - 414 Plush Mill Road Wallingford PA 19086

Admission: $95 CAC members $105 Non Members

610-566-1713

http://www.communityartscenter.org/trips

Start Time(s): 8 am-6 pm

Experience a fun day of old and new in Cape May during the holidays First you will return to the era of Victorian opulence with a tour of the Emlen Physick estate house museum After this tour you will then board an old-fashioned trolley for a tour of Cape May’s historic district featuring a treasure trove of Victorian homes, many decorated for the holidaysFollowing lunch at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café at the Physick estate, you will receive a personalized tour of the Carpenter Cottage All entrance fees and bus driver gratuity are included The bus leaves from the Arts Center promptly at 8 am and returns approximately 6 pm Trip limited to 30 people

Fridays in November at 7 pm

Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun, free movie about the American Revolution! A different movie will be shown each week in the park theater

Call 610-783-1074 for details

Children ages 6 to 12 years old are invited to “enlist” in the Continental Army Recruits learn how to stand, march and drill like a soldier

Held 1st Saturday of each month from January to April

Join the Friends of Valley Forge Park at the Washington Memorial Chapel Library for its speaker series featuring historians and American Revolution experts
 

Join the Friends of Valley Forge Park at the Washington Memorial Chapel Library for its speaker series featuring historians and American Revolution experts
 

State of the Union: Contemporary Craft in Dialogue

09-18-2009 - 01-03-2010

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Philadelphia Art Alliance

http://www.philartalliance.org/exhibits.htm

Philadelphia Art Alliance - 251 S 18th Street Philadelphia PA 19103

Admission: $5 for adults $3 for students/seniors Pay what you wish on Fridays

215-545-4302

info@philartalliance.org

Start Time(s): 11 am-5 pm

Throughout the first and second floor galleries the Philadelphia Art Alliance (PAA) will present the group exhibition State of the Union: Contemporary Craft in Dialogue; featuring the work of 12 emerging artists in variety of media, questioning the fundamental assumptions of craft and its traditional parameters The exhibit was organized by Melissa Caldwell, Director of Exhibitions at the PAA An opening reception will be held on September 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm

February 13, 2010 - 9am to 12:30pm

Boy Scouts of America 97th Anniversary George Washington Birthday Encampment and Pilgrimage -- the oldest continuous annual Boy Scouts event in the world Scouts will march to several specially-designed, outdoor, themed sites Each stop includes discussions on and demonstrations of 18th century medicine, the code and practice of dueling, artillery, musket firing, and much more

Free and open to the public

Visitors meet portrayers of Martha Washington and General Washington in the Welcome Center while listening to period music by the‘Colonial Revelers’ Children make their own tri-corner hats and design birthday cards for the General in the Encampment Store followed by Mrs Washington’s presentation and tasting of a birthday cake baked from her own original recipe Kids may also enlist in the Continental Army, after which General Washington will review and lead the young ‘troops’ in marching and maneuvering drills executed according to General Von Steuben’s training manual

Story Time Sundays with Betsy

10-04-2009 - 03-28-2010

Sunday

Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football - CONCACAF

http://www.betsyrosshouse.org

119 Arts Center - 119 South Street Philadelphia PA 19147

Admission: FREE

Start Time(s): 11 am

Children from ages 3-10 will love this special weekly event hosted by Betsy Ross, herself! America's most famous flagmaker will read 18th century tales, lead a craft activity and answer kids' questions about her exciting life and fascinating times Themes change weekly, so join in again and again!

This exhibition explores how Philadelphia became a leading center for daguerreotyping It highlights the careers of Philadelphia daguerreotypists including Robert Cornelius, Marcus Root, and the Langenheim brothers

Brown Bag Lecture: Abigail Schade

12-01-2009 - 12-01-2009

Tuesday

Chemical Heritage Foundation

http://chemheritage.org/events/event-detail.asp?id=486

Chemical Heritage Foundation - 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: Free and open to the public Registration is required

https://chemheritage.org/purchase/signin.asp?target=event-register.asp?id=486

Start Time(s): 12 pm

Baghdad mathematician al-Karaji wrote his treatise, sometimes called the “oldest hydrology textbook,” on the characteristics of groundwater in the 11th century Experts in the modern field of geohydrology have praised Karaji’s work as remarkably accurate Since Karaji’s work focused on traditional methods of groundwater drilling in his native Iran, this how-to manual provides a glimpse of historical agricultural techniques and hydrological expertise usually not available to the historian in such detailed written form

This topic is part of the author’s dissertation on traditional technologies of groundwater irrigation in arid regions of the ancient and medieval world This dissertation in international/global history is being completed in the Department of History at Columbia University, where the author is a Whiting Fellow for the 2009–2010 academic year

Brown Bag Lecture: Matthew Shindell

12-08-2009 - 12-08-2009

Tuesday

Chemical Heritage Foundation

http://chemheritage.org/events/event-detail.asp?id=487

Chemical Heritage Foundation - 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: Free and open to the public Registration is required

https://chemheritage.org/purchase/signin.asp?target=event-register.asp?id=487

Start Time(s): 12 pm

This talk will consider Urey’s religious upbringing in the Brethren Church and his lifelong struggle with religious ideas Although Urey became an atheist early in life, his work as a public spokesman for science indicates that he carried many of these ideas (and perhaps a rural attitude toward morality and family life) into his later life and incorporated them into his understanding of science’s ideal role in public and political life Because he participated in the great demographic shift of the 20th century from rural to urban life, a study of Urey’s life and career promises to illuminate the effects that this change in lifestyle, along with participation in more cosmopolitan scientific circles at UC Berkeley, Columbia University, and the University of Chicago, may have had on the development of the 20th-century “scientific conscience”

Matthew Shindell is a PhD candidate in the history of science and science studies at the University of California, San Diego He is currently writing a dissertation concerning the life and career of the American physical chemist Harold C Urey This dissertation has received support from the National Science Foundation, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, and the UCSD Science Studies Program

The Brown Bag Lecture Series is a project of the Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry and the Othmer Library of Chemical History

Brown Bag Lecture: Richardson Dilworth

12-15-2009 - 12-15-2009

Tuesday

Chemical Heritage Foundation

http://chemheritage.org/events/event-detail.asp?id=488

Chemical Heritage Foundation - 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: Free and open to the public Registration is required

https://chemheritage.org/purchase/signin.asp?target=event-register.asp?id=488

Start Time(s): 12 pm

Central-city infrastructure development in the 19th and 20th centuries, in areas such as sewerage, water supply, street lighting, and street paving, was an important cause of suburban municipal autonomy by the time of the Great Depression Suburban autonomy was in turn an important factor in the racial and economic transformations that were visible in central cities by the 1950s, in the overall decline in central-city populations on the East Coast and in the Midwest, and thus in the radically changed position of cities in American politics after World War II This talk traces the path from urban technological development and diffusion, to the changing legal jurisdictional structure of metropolitan regions, to the changing role of urbanization in national politics and policy making

Richardson Dilworth is an associate professor of political science and the director of the Center for Public Policy at Drexel University He is the author of The Urban Origins of Suburban Autonomy (2005) and the editor of two books: The City in American Political Development (2009) and Social Capital in the City: Community and Civic Life in Philadelphia (2006) In 2008 he was appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter to serve on the Philadelphia Historical Commission, where he is chair of the Historic Designation Committee

Great Archaeological Discoveries of the World

10-07-2009 - 06-02-2010

Wednesday

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

http://www.penn.museum/college-and-adults/324-great-discoveries-lecture-series.html

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology - 3260 South Street Philadelphia PA 19104

Admission: $5 per lecture or $35 for full lecture series subscription in advance; free for Penn Museum members

Start Time(s): 6

From the intact tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh to the enigmatic ancient sculptures of Easter Island, some of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries are featured at the Penn Museum’s new monthly lecture series, offered the first Wednesday of every month, October 2009 through June 2010

Oct 7 - Everywhere the Glint of Gold: The Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun

Nov 4 - Ankor! Deep in the jungles of Cambodia, ruins of a forgotten kingdom called Angkor came to the attention of 19th century Europe with the publication of sketches by naturalist Henri Mouhot

Dec 2 - Pompeii AD 79: The Treasure of Rediscovery

Jan 6 - China’s First Emperor: Man and the Empire for all Eternity

Feb 3 - Machu Picchu and the Incas

March 3 - Lascaux In ancient caves in the south of France, boys in 1940 discovered 17,000 year old paintings and artifacts made by our early ancestors

April 7 - Lucy in Our Eyes with Diamonds

May 5 - The Easter Island Statue Project

June 2 - The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial and the Origins of the English Speaking Peoples

Visit http://wwwpennmuseum/college-and-adults/324-great-discoveries-lecture-serieshtml for more information!

The history of Thanksgiving is an interesting tale The very first national “Thanksgiving Day,” established on November 26, 1789, was created by George Washington for “giving thanks” for the US Constitution, which had been adopted two years earlier During the Center’s celebration, children can participate in the Growing Up, American Style show at 12 pm and 2 pm to discover what it was like to grow up in America throughout different time periods Kids will find out what children wore throughout the ages by dressing in costume for a special runway show!

Free Sunday Dance Performance: Become Your Dreams

12-06-2009 - 12-06-2009

Sunday

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)

http://www.pafa.org/588

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) - 118 N Broad Street, N Broad Street & Cherry Street Philadelphia PA 19102

Admission: FREE

Start Time(s): 2 pm

Tracing hip hop dance styles from the late 60s to today, this acclaimed dance ensemble demonstrates locking, popping, breaking (break dancing), old and new school hip hop and house dance forms, while teaching the lesson that children can be whatever they want to be with hard work and perseverance The program spreads a message of peace, love and unity, as well as important lessons about curbing violence and drug use, and encourages children to get involved and join the performers on stage to practice the dance steps themselves

This month’s sleepover program welcomes Girl Scouts ages 6 to 15 and their families or chaperones to an overnight “expedition” of the Museum The night’s activities take intrepid explorers on a journey through time and across continents, with hands-on opportunities through games, crafts, and more—all while working toward badges! A scavenger hunt and a flashlight expedition through the galleries offer new ways to connect with the ancient artifacts awaiting discovery Later in the night, explorers roll out their sleeping bags—to doze at the foot of the third largest granite Sphinx in the world!

Penn Museum invites explorers ages 6 to 12 and their families or chaperones to an overnight “expedition” of the Museum The night’s activities take intrepid explorers on a journey through time and across continents, with hands-on opportunities through games, crafts, and more! A scavenger hunt and a flashlight expedition through the galleries offer new ways to connect with the ancient artifacts awaiting discovery Later in the night, explorers roll out their sleeping bags—to doze at the foot of the third largest granite Sphinx in the world! 40 Winks with the Sphinx concludes with a continental breakfast in the children's lunchroom and time to explore the galleries by day and visit the children’s gift shop

Enjoy an afternoon at the Penn Museum and come celebrate the 14th annual free Peace Around the World family-oriented event! Visitors receive a holiday “Passport to Cultures” with an itinerary to visit galleries where Penn Museum International Classroom speakers share holiday traditions of their home countries through music, stories, arts, crafts, games and more The afternoon also features international music and dancing, children’s choirs, exotic face painting, balloon art, international family crafts, and free treats for children!

Hear two Penn Museum researchers offer updates on their latest work! Simon Martin, Associate Curator, American Section, and one of the foremost experts on Maya writing and history, summarizes his work on hieroglyphs of Calakmul, Mexico, the largest city in Classic Maya civilization, and provides details on some of the new finds that are shedding light on the social, cultural and political development there Dr Lauren Ristvet, Dyson Chair and Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, talks about Penn Museum’s excavations in Azerbaijan (the first American excavations in that country) at the ancient fortress site of Oglanqala, inhabited between 1200 and 200 BCE Through excavation and survey work, the team is revealing a complex landscape of fortresses, cemeteries and nomadic settlements that are helping to illustrate what it meant to be on the edge of several empires

Design the armor of an Etruscan warrior Learn the Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, and heroes and discover depictions of them in the galleries Journey through the World Intertwined galleries with an activity book full of family-fun activities

Those familiar with the Philadelphia region are likely to recognize the names of Rittenhouse, Clothier, Gratz and Elkins, among many others What few realize, however, is that each of these places and institutions can be traced to the legacies of real people: individuals and families who made their fortunes in developing and industrializing the city of Philadelphia Nonetheless, greatness can be—and indeed should be—measured in more ways than one While these early Philadelphians may most often be remembered for their keen business sense, unrivaled success and accumulated wealth, it is ultimately how they chose to utilize their influence and share their fortunes that measured their true greatness They have surely earned their peaceful rest at Laurel Hill Learn about the philanthropic deeds of these do-gooders with big wallets and bigger hearts in Philanthropic Philadelphians, a walking tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery that will be guided by Dr David Horwitz, historian, professor and Friends of Laurel Hill board member

Families can enjoy a delicious hot breakfast served chowline style from the Crew’s Galley aboard the Battleship New Jersey There will also be prizes, a self-guided tour and, of course, Santa Claus! Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for kids under 13 Tickets can be purchased online at wwwbattleshipnewjerseyorg, or over the phone by call 1-866-877-6262 ext 107, or at the Battleship Ticket Office

First Night of 2010 Aboard the Battleship NJ

12-31-2009 - 01-01-2010

Thursday, Saturday

123 Cuthbert Street

http://h

Battleship New Jersey - 62 Battleship Place Camden NJ 08103

Admission: $6095

856-966-1652 x107

overnights@battleshipnewjersey.org

http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org

Start Time(s): 6 pm

Spend the First Night of 2010 aboard the Battleship New Jersey! The award-winning Overnight Encampment program will be open for families Enjoy dinner and breakfast served from the crew’s galley, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4D flight simulator and the chance to sleep in the bunks the crew of the USS New Jersey once did PLUS experience the best view of the Midnight Fireworks display over the Delaware River and enjoy a non-alcohol toast!  

Young Friends Treasure Hunt

12-03-2009 - 12-03-2009

Thursday

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

http://www.hsp.org

Historical Society of Pennsylvania - 1300 Locust Street Philadelphia PA 19107

Admission: $5 in advance $10 at the door

215-732-6200 ext 235

http://treasurehunt.eventbrite.com

Start Time(s): 5 pm

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  

PhilaPlace Launch Party

12-09-2009 - 12-09-2009

Wednesday

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

http://www.hsp.org

Philadelphia City Hall - Center Square Philadelphia PA 19106

Admission: Free

215-732-6200 ext 300

http://philaplace.eventbrite.com

Start Time(s): 5:30 pm

Join the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Honorable Mayor Michael A Nutter as we celebrate the launch of PhilaPlace The official announcement 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 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 PhilaPlace was created by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Department of Records, the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, and other institutions and community organizations PhilaPlace has been made possible by generous support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, through the Heritage Philadelphia Program; jointly by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Federal-State Partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities; The Pennsylvania Department of Education; Southwest Airlines; the Connelly Foundation; Samuel S Fels Fund; and the Walter J Miller Foundation

The Empty Coffin: John Brown and Philadelphia

12-02-2009 - 12-02-2009

Wednesday

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

http://www.hsp.org

Historical Society of Pennsylvania - 1300 Locust Street Philadelphia PA 19107

Admission: Free

215-732-6200 ext 214

http://johnbrown.eventbrite.com

Start Time(s): 6 pm

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 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 

Holiday Wonderland: An 18th Century Christmas at the Mill at Anselma

12-05-2009 - 12-05-2009

Saturday

Mill at Anselma

http://www.anselmamill.org

Mill at Anselma - 1730 Conestoga Road PO Box 42 Chester Springs PA 19425

Admission: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Youth 6-17 Under 6 and Military Personnel Free

610-827-1906

info@anselmamill.org

http://www.anselmamill.org

Start Time(s): 10:00am - 4:00pm (Demonstrations and activities run continuously throughout the day)

Experience the mirth of an 18th century Christmas at the Mill at Anselma! The Mill, decked out in its holiday splendor, will enchant visitors to take part in an old-fashioned winter extravaganza, including gingerbread, wreath-and craft-making, and letter-writing to Santa! Taste cookies and treats made with Anselma’s own stone-ground flour, and help our miller sift his winter grains while the scent of fresh-ground cornmeal reminds you of days long past Holiday Wonderland includes a special flour milling demonstration in our historic grist mill The Mill at Anselma (c 1747) served its local agricultural community for three centuries and is considered the most complete example of a Colonial-era custom grist mill in the United States Now restored and recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Mill at Anselma provides a powerful educational resource, allowing visitors to experience Chester County’s industrial and agricultural past through flour milling demonstrations, tours of the site and hands-on family activities Admission to the Mill at Anselma for Holiday Wonderland is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children The Mill at Anselma is located on Rt 401 (Conestoga Road), ½ mile west of Rt 113 in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania For more information, contact the Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust at 610-827-1906, email jenngreen@anselmamillorg or visit wwwanselmamillorg

Pottsgrove By Candlelight - Mansion Tour

12-13-2009 - 12-13-2009

Sunday

Pottsgrove Manor historic site

Pottsgrove Manor - 100 W King Street Pottstown PA 19464

Admission: $2

Start Time(s): 1-7 pm

Visitors will be welcomed through the front doors of Pottsgrove Manor and invited to step back in time to experience the holiday season as it would have been celebrated by English colonists over 250 years ago “Pottsgrove by Candlelight” brings the visitor into this historical world to meet the people of Pottsgrove—particularly the servants and slaves whose work allowed the John and Ruth Potts, their thirteen children, and their guests to enjoy the high life Costumed interpreters will bring Pottsgrove Manor to life as visitors tour the house In the formal parlor, the housekeeper organizes her staff to ‘deck the halls’ and ornament the stately mansion with sprigs of holly, mistletoe and other greens Elegant side tables are being assembled with sparkling glassware pyramids holding all manner of sweet delights, the construction supervised to perfection by the butler In the servants’ hall, chambermaids discuss options for the positioning of decorative greenery, the merits of various wassail recipes, and how properly to ‘clove’ an orange In the kitchen, the head cook and her assistants are busy preparing authentic colonial dishes and cooking them in the large hearth After touring the house, visitors can watch eighteenth century country dancing and enjoy the music of a harp and a harpsichord in the 1820s addition to the Manor, shop for seasonal gifts in the Museum Shop, and warm themselves by a bonfire in the courtyard For a small fee, visitors can also enjoy a cup of spiced cider and cookies in the historic Miller’s House next to the mansion, and younger guests can try their hand at making a pomander (a fragrant, clove-studded orange) to take home In addition to the special candlelight tours, the house exhibit “Twelfth Night at Pottsgrove Manor,” which shows the mansion might have been decorated for the winter holidays Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department

Twelfth Night Tours at Pottsgrove Manor

11-21-2009 - 01-10-2010

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Pottsgrove Manor Historic site

http://www.historicsites.montcopa.org

Pottsgrove Manor Historic site - 100 West King Street Pottstown PA 19464

Admission: $2 suggested donation

Start Time(s): Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday, 1-4 pm

Visitors who come to Pottsgrove Manor will experience the holiday season as it would have been celebrated by English colonists over 250 years ago In the eighteenth century, from early December to the feast of Twelfth Night on January 6th, wealthy Pennsylvania families like the Potts observed not only the religious customs of the winter season, but socialized, gave and attended parties and balls, and visited friends and family A tour of the Manor will give visitors a glimpse of how the house would have been prepared for the holidays—don’t expect a Christmas tree or stockings hung from the mantel! Bayberry candles lend a sweet scent to the air, and window-panes are decorated with bright sprigs of holly Tables are filled with displays of winter greenery and glass ‘pyramids’ loaded with delectable treats – nuts, candied fruits, iced cakes decorated with miniature fruits made of colorful marzipan, and molded sugar candies that sparkle in the candlelight In the kitchen, an elaborate menu of once-a-year specialties is being planned Upstairs, in the private chambers, elegant attire is set out in preparation for the formal events of the season, and all through the house the servants have prepared elaborate decorations of food and greenery to brighten a winter household Guided tours of the exhibit are offered during the museum’s hours: Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department

Gordon S Wood, Brown University Professor of History and Chair of the National Constitution Center’s Distinguished Scholars Advisory Panel, will discuss the Founders’ attitudes and beliefs about aristocracy in America, where “titles of nobility” are prohibited by the Constitution, but where aristocratic elements of privilege and power nevertheless survive The men who espoused the radical idea that all are created equal shared the tradition of British aristocracy, and Wood will examine how their beliefs differed from and mirrored those held in England Historian Carol Berkin, professor of history at Baruch College, will moderate

Join former chef to Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales, Darren McGrady, for a truly unique brunch Chef McGrady will prepare a three course meal featuring the royal family's favorite dishes and Princess Diana's favorite treat, Bread and Butter Pudding During brunch, guests will hear Chef McGrady's stories of his time working for the Royal Family for over 15 years, and working exclusively for Princess Diana for four years Following brunch, guests may purchase Chef McGrady's cookbook, Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen, during a Q&A session and book-signing Guests will also have the opportunity to tour Diana: A Celebration

Part of the National Constitution Center’s Majestic Winter Wonderland celebration includes a Gingerbread White House Contest for children 14 and under Each year, White House pastry chefs display a decadent Gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room to celebrate the winter season The Center invites local children to show off their talents and create their own version of this White House tradition for our contest to find the region’s best homemade Gingerbread White House In conjunction with the Diana: A Celebration exhibition, participants can also submit a gingerbread replica of Buckingham Palace

Celebrate the start of the winter season on both sides of the pond! Visitors can cast a vote in the 3rd annual Gingerbread White House contest, featuring gingerbread models of both the White House and Buckingham Palace, created by children ages 14 and under During a special presentation, guests can also learn about the similarities and differences between White House holiday traditions and the winter celebrations at Buckingham Palace At craft activity tables, children can make their own tiaras and beefeater hats

21st Annual Civil War Reenactment

05-01-2010 - 05-02-2010

Sunday, Saturday

28th Pennsylvania Historical Society

http://www.28thpvi.org

Neshaminy State Park - 3401 State Road Bensalem PA 19020

Admission: FREE

Start Time(s): 9 am-4 pm each day

The 21st Annual Civil War Reenactment will be held on Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2, 2010 at Neshaminy State Park each day, rain or shine The theme for this year event is “The Appomattox Campaign of 1865” Over 1,000 re-enactors will converge on the park for this two-day event featuring: authentic battle re-enactments, camp life scenarios, military and civilian life demonstrations Admission is free A collection will be taken each day of the re-enactment and all proceeds will go towards to Civil War preservation efforts This event is a joint project sponsored by Neshaminy State Park, the Bensalem Historical Society, the 28th Pennsylvania Historical Association, the Army of Northern Virginia Reenacting Organization, the Delaware Valley Civil War Roundtable, The GAR Museum and Library, and Waste Management, Inc

Holiday Tours of the Fairmount Park Historic Houses

12-04-2009 - 12-13-2009

Sunday, Friday, Saturday

Women for Greater Philadelphia

http://www.fairmountpark.org/tours.asp

Fairmount Water Works - 1 Boathouse Row Philadelphia PA 19130

Admission: $25 (Two-Hour Trolley Tours)

215-685-0274

Start Time(s): 10 am-4 pm

The Holiday Tours series includes Cedar Grove (1 Cedar Grove Dr, Phila, 19131), Laurel Hill (N Randolph Dr & E Edgeley Dr, Phila, 19121), Lemon Hill (Sedgeley & Lemon Hill Dr, Phila, 19121), Mount Pleasant (3800 Mount Pleasant Dr, Phila, 19121), Sweetbriar (1 Sweetbriar Drive, Phila, 19131), Ormiston (2000 Reservoir Dr, Phila, 19121) and Woodford (33rd and Dauphin Sts, Phila, 19132) Enchanting to visit year-round, these historic houses are stunning when adorned with Christmas trees, festive wreaths, swags of evergreens, floral arrangements, twinkling lights and exquisite ornaments Two-hour trolley tours are $25 per person and include a trolley ride plus guided tours of three houses Call for reservations Visitors can also provide their own transportation to the historic houses and admission is $5 per visitor for each house and $3 for senior citizens

Visit the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion to celebrate Christmas Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott will be present to read selections from their Christmas stories to guests in the parlor which will be regaled with beautiful Victorian Christmas decorations Guests can take self-guided tours of the Mansion, enjoy luscious desserts and Victorian punch in the dining room, shop in the gift shop Children can create a Christmas craft with art teacher Antoinette This is a wonderful event for children and adults alike

Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America Exhibit

12-07-2009 - 12-30-2009

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Marple Public Library

http://www.marplepubliclibrary.org

Marple Library - Springfield Road and Sproul Road Broomall PA 19008

Admission: Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America is free and open to the public

Start Time(s): The exhibit is open during normal library hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:30 am-9 pm; Friday, 9:30 am-6 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm; and Sunday, 1-5 pm

A world-class traveling exhibit featuring reproduction artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, "Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America" exhibit was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln It was one of just two “We, the People” programs for the Lincoln Bicentennial funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities Marple Public Library is the only library in Pennsylvania to hold the exhibit this year

Spirit Of Competition Awards Dinner

12-02-2009 - 12-02-2009

Wednesday

Simeone Foundation

http://www.simeonefoundation.org/?page_id=51

Simeone Foundation - 6825-31 Norwitch Drive Philadelphia PA 19153

Admission: $175 per person, $300 per couple

215-365-7233

amanda@simeonemuseum.org

http://www.simeonefoundation.org/?page_id=51

Start Time(s): 5:30-9 pm

On December 2, 2009, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum will be holding their second annual "Spirit of Competition" Awards Dinner featuring this year's recipient, Ms Janet Guthrie Guthrie paved the way for drivers like Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick, and made history by being the first woman to drive in the Indy 500 and NASCAR The evening's activities will also include the premiere unveiling of the most iconic sports car in General Motors racing history

Vintage Race Car Demonstration

11-28-2009 - 11-28-2009

Saturday

Simeone Foundation

http://www.SimeoneMuseum.org

Simeone Foundation - 6825-31 Norwitch Drive Philadelphia PA 19153

Admission: $12- Adults $10 - Seniors $8 - Students Children 8 and under, free Rain Date is the next day, Sunday, at Noon

Start Time(s): 12 Noon - 1 PM

This is one of the Simeone Museum's monthly Demonstration Days and will feature two of the most popular cars in the collection: a 1964 Cobra Daytona Coupe and a 1966 Ford GT40 The Simeone Museum is one of the few automotive museums in the world where visitors actually can see and hear famous racecars being driven on the Museum's 3-acre back lot Dr Simeone provides a brief history of the cars before they are driven

CHF, The Chemical Heritage Foundation gets into the holiday spirit this First Friday Participants are invited to the final Manual Science event of the year to make Christmas ornaments out of papier-mache and learn about the science behind the process Manual Science programming will resume in March Making Modernity, the museum's permanent exhibit, and sLowlife, the museum's temporary exhibit (on display until January 13), will also be open 

Get in the holiday spirit at Hagley! On Friday, November 27, the Centreville Singers will bring some holiday ambience to Hagley, singing Christmas carols at locations throughout the property Visitors will also be able to tour the 1803 du Pont ancestral home, Eleutherian Mills, dressed for the holidays, and participate in family activities on Workers’ Hill

Victorian Philadelphians loved visual symbolism, and even their simplest grave markers are likely to be ornamented by ivy (for eternal life), lilies (for resurrection) or hour glasses (for brevity of life) Oftentimes, the symbolism is both lavish and individualized A civic reformer is memorialized with a bas-relief showing the Schuylkill Canal and the Philadelphia Water Works A prison reformer is celebrated with a grand model of Moyamensing Prison A shattered column, a cavalry officer’s sword and a pair of spurs mark the resting place of one of the first soldiers to die at the Battle of Little Big Horn, infamously known as Custer’s Last Stand A mother who died in childbirth is compellingly depicted clasping her two dead babies Nineteenth-century Philadelphians understood Laurel Hill not only as a cemetery, but also as a vast sculptural garden and retreat Accordingly, they came by the thousands to read the symbolic messages that the dead had left for the living The Language of the Dead, a walking tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, will be expertly guided by Dr Michael Brooks, a professor at West Chester University, former board member of the Friends of Laurel Hill, and longtime docent for the cemetery

The annual General Meade Birthday Celebration will mark the 194th anniversary of the birth of General George G Meade, commander of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg A parade of Civil War re-enactors, civilians in period attire, special dignitaries, heritage groups and participants will advance to Meade’s final resting place and memorialize his services to his nation A 21-gun salute and champagne toast will cap off the program at graveside, and will be followed by a reception in the Cemetery Gatehouse A tour of historic Laurel Hill will be offered following the festivities (weather permitting) This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Meade Birthday Celebration, which will take place on Thursday, December 31st at 12 noon The event will be hosted by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia and the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery Admission is free, and all are invited to get an early start on their New Year’s Eve festivities For information, please call 215-228-8200, or visit wwwthelaurelhillcemeteryorg

An informative overview of Laurel Hill's long and colorful history, this walking tour of Laurel Hill will include all of the highlights, hot spots and notable stories that afford the cemetery its wow factor This is the ultimate tour for first-time visitors to Laurel Hill, and anyone else who likes beautiful art, stimulating history, and just enjoying lifeeven amongst the dead