Civic Stories: Some Fighting Quakers (National Constitution Center)
May
23
12:00 PM12:00

Civic Stories: Some Fighting Quakers (National Constitution Center)

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This FREE virtual webinar is presented by the National Constitution Center, in partnership with Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust.

The Religious Society of Friends has been known as a pacifist faith - yet throughout time, Quakers have both embraced this belief and broken from it. This talk will highlight Betsy Ross & Samuel Nicholas, two Quakers who joined the branch known as Free Quakers, as well as some of their Quaker contemporaries who remained Loyalist to the cause. How did their faith impact their response to the Revolution?

Presentation by Jennifer Gray, Museum & Education Manager at Arch Street Meeting House.

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The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
May
25
10:30 AM10:30

The Quaker City: A Walking Tour

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

 

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. Please contact us by replying to this email directly. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

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The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
Jun
1
10:30 AM10:30

The Quaker City: A Walking Tour

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

 

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. Please contact us by replying to this email directly. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

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The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
Jun
8
10:30 AM10:30

The Quaker City: A Walking Tour

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

 

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. Please contact us by replying to this email directly. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

View Event →
The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
Jun
15
10:30 AM10:30

The Quaker City: A Walking Tour

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

 

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. Please contact us by replying to this email directly. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

View Event →
The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
Jun
22
10:30 AM10:30

The Quaker City: A Walking Tour

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

 

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. Please contact us by replying to this email directly. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

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George Fox's 400th Birthday Celebration & Free Museum Day
Jun
29
10:00 AM10:00

George Fox's 400th Birthday Celebration & Free Museum Day

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

George Fox is a co-founder of the Quaker faith, and we're having a birthday party to celebrate!

Enjoy FREE museum admission and celebrate the future of Quakerism with family-friendly stories, discussions, games, and crafts!

Registration is not required. Presented in partnership with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

  • Welcome

    Arch Street Meeting House will open for FREE museum visitation. Explore the historic meetinghouse and grounds.

  • Meet Quaker History: George Fox & Hannah Callowhill Penn

    Enjoy a visit from George Fox and Hannah Callowhill Penn.

  • A George Fox Story

    Fox was a young man with a lot of big questions. His questions led to co-founding the Quaker faith. Listen to a kid-friendly tale about his story.

  • Margaret Fell

    Margaret Fell was an early founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the wife of George Fox. Listen to a kid-friendly tale about her story.

  • Power of Goodness

    An exhibition of children’s art and stories on nonviolence and reconciliation and an interactive workshop, Bridging Divides, based on the story Mercy: A Poet’s Memory.

  • Happy Birthday, George!

    You can’t have a birthday party without cake! Join us for singing and a cake cutting.

  • Fox Forward

    A roundtable discussion about Fox’s teachings and Quakerism today.

  • Community Quaker Worship

    Experience unprogrammed Quaker worship in the historic West Room (1811) of ASMH.

Learn more about celebrations happening around the globe: fwcc.world/fox

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Red, White, & Blue To-Do!
Jul
2
9:00 AM09:00

Red, White, & Blue To-Do!

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We’re joining Philadelphia’s Historic District to celebrate the first annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do!

On Tuesday, July 2nd, America’s most historic square mile will host the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, musical performances, special extended hours at neighborhood museums and historic sites, restaurant specials, and so much more!

 

Schedule of Events

9 - 11 am: The fun begins with flag raisings, museums, and historic sites openings, special recognitions, and Children's Naturalization Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House (9 a.m.)

11 am: Red, White, Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks-off at the National Constitution Center, traveling along Independence Mall (Pre-registration to march in the Pomp & Parade is required. Stay tuned to the website for information)

11 am. - 3 pm: Welcome America's Go 4th and Learn: Carpenters' Hall 250th Anniversary 

12 pm: Parade arrives at the end point at Carpenters' Hall

12 - 2 pm: Independence Barbeque with lunch specials throughout Old City

2 - 5 pm: Musical performances at four locations throughout the Historic District (Arch Street Meeting House, African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Liberty Museum and Elfreth's Alley)

4 - 7 pm: Extended hours and special events at various historical sites and food and specials throughout Old City

Philadelphia Historic District Partners

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust

Betsy Ross House

Carpenters’ Hall

Elfreth’s Alley

Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Trust

Museum of the American Revolution

National Liberty Museum

National Constitution Center

Old City District

Philadelphia Visitors Center

Science History Institute

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

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The Radical Empathy of Anthony Benezet
May
9
5:30 PM17:30

The Radical Empathy of Anthony Benezet

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The acknowledged father of the transatlantic movement to abolish slavery, Benezet used the persecution he had suffered to inform his perspective on "others." He became a champion of not only African Americans, but of women, indigenous people, disadvantaged humans and also animals. Hear how this devoted Quaker connected his outsized compassion with a clear-eyed strategy to change the world.

Vance Lehmkuhl

Vance Lehmkuhl runs the veg history tour program at the American Vegan Center, offering pre-scheduled and custom walking tours around Old City. He is the author of Eating Vegan in Philly (2016) and V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column (2016), both from Sullivan Street Press. He spent years as the vegan columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and, prior to that, as the political cartoonist for Philadelphia City Paper, for which he was named Best of Philly by Philadelphia Magazine. He also founded the eco-pop band Green Beings, whose novelty patter song "Leftovers" has been heard many times on Dr. Demento's radio show. Vance is passionate about three things: Helping acquaint people with Philadelphia's amazing veg history; his wife, Cynthia Way; and the symphonies of Joseph Haydn.

 

About the American Vegan Center

The American Vegan Center opened at 17 N. 2nd St. in late 2021. A project of the American Vegan Society (founded 1960), the Center aims to make finding vegan food and vegan info easier for everyone. Books, magazines, T-shirts, postcards and vegan snack foods are among the in-store offerings. Occasional events such as book-signings, lectures and cooking classes help to educate and entertain. Veg history walking tours of Old City are also offered, bringing to light the rich yet largely unknown veg history of Philadelphia, the city where U.S. vegetarianism began in 1817. In addition to the standard tour, custom tours focusing on one aspect of our history are available. This talk is adapted from one of those tours.

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National Historic Marker Day
Apr
26
10:00 AM10:00

National Historic Marker Day

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Celebrate National Historic Marker Day with Arch Street Meeting House on a walking tour of Old City, Philadelphia!

Created by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, National Historic Marker Day is a service-oriented event that brings people and communities together to maintain their markers by cleaning them and providing an opportunity to celebrate and preserve history.

ASMH staff and volunteers will begin the day with a quick clean of the meetinghouse's two markers, and then visitors are welcome to join us for a private walking tour that will lead you through the blue historic markers of some of Philadelphia's favorite Friends (also known as Quakers!). Tour stops include the markers for Betsy Ross, Anthony Benezet, Hannah Callowhill Penn, and more.

 

Walking tours will occur every hour, rain or shine:

  • 10:30 - 11:30 PM

  • 11:30 - 12:30 PM

  • 12:30 - 1:30 PM

  • 1:30 - 2:30 PM

  • 2:30 - 3:30 PM


National Historic Marker Day was created by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

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Old City Wedding Stroll
Apr
24
5:00 PM17:00

Old City Wedding Stroll

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join ASMH and 35+ Old City businesses on Wednesday, April 24 from 5-8 PM. We can’t wait to see you! 

Registration is required, but the event is free to attend! Guests who register and attend the event will also be entered to win an Old City Wedding Gift Basket, filled with more than 20 prizes like gift cards, complimentary services, and more. 


Visit OldCityDistrict.org/wedding for more information. Registration required.

Old City is Philadelphia’s ultimate one-stop wedding shop! Home to more than 300 independently-owned small businesses, find wedding attire, florists, jewelers, restaurants, venues, wedding services, and so much more - all within a few blocks. Rely on Old City wedding experts to make your big day everything you imagine – and more!

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Abolition Women: The Sisters Who Turned the World Upside Down
Mar
28
6:00 PM18:00

Abolition Women: The Sisters Who Turned the World Upside Down

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Sarah & Angelina Grimke are sisters, Quakers, and above all else, abolitionists. Join them in 1836 as they prepare for their landmark tour to speak out against slavery and discrimination.

 

Arch Street Meeting House (ASMH) and the Betsy Ross House (BRH) have collaborated on this exciting new first-person interpretive program! Together, ASMH and BRH staff have created the costumes and conducted extensive historical research to accurately portray the Grimke sisters and share their experiences with a new audience.

 

Join us at Arch Street Meeting House on March 28th for the premiere performance, and stick around for a robust insider Q&A with the performers. This night is designed for people of all kinds - whether you're familiar with the Grimke sisters or have never heard of them, this night will be an enjoyable experience for all. Don't forget to BYOB!

 

Presented in partnership with the Betsy Ross House.

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ASMH Reopens!
Feb
29
10:00 AM10:00

ASMH Reopens!

  • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

After a two-month hiatus for the winter season, Arch Street Meeting House will reopen to the general public for museum visitation on Thursday, February 29th!

 

Museum hours are Thursday – Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.

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