January 11, 2012
This Thursday, January 12, join fellow social media junkies as the National Constitution Center hosts “What Would the Founding Fathers Think of Facebook?,” a discussion on the often unrealized effects of social networking on both our private and public lives.
On hand will be New York Times political reporter Jennifer Preston, Forbes social media blogger Kashmir Hill and famed privacy lawyer and author Lori Andrews, who’s celebrating the release of her new book, I Know Who You Are and I Saw What You Did: Social Networks and the Death of Privacy.
While most of us just use Facebook to keep up with friends and check out our favorite brands and businesses, Andrews found that the lives of people around the world had been upended by oftentimes harmless social media posts.
Her book and the discussion will delve into ways that we can protect ourselves and our children, and posit ways in which our legal system can deal with changing trends in tech.
Because our Founding Fathers never could have guessed what a Facebook Timeline would be, hear how social media could in fact be at the center of the next Amendment to the Bill of Rights.
Advance ticket purchase is required and available online.
“What Would the Founding Fathers Think of Facebook?” at the National Constitution Center
When: Thursday, January 12, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 525 Arch Street
Cost: $10, $7 for Members, students and teachers
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
January 10, 2012
Commemorate Ben Franklin's 306th birthday with a special ceremony and wreath-laying at his grave, plus the man himself! (Photo courtesy "Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder")
These days we take it for granted that lightning is a form of electrical current, but it took one of our most famous Revolutionary patriots to prove it.
Yes, that would be Ben Franklin, whose kite-flying adventure during a thunderstorm led to his invention of the lightning rod. The kite tale is sure to crop up during the celebration commemorating the 306th anniversary of Franklin’s birthday, on January 20.
The event, organized annually by the group “Celebration! Benjamin Franklin Founder,” includes a free seminar at Benjamin Franklin Hall called “Franklin & Energy: Resources, Uses & Efficiencies,” which will shine a light on various energy-related topics that date from Franklin’s time to the present.
Guest speakers include Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer at the Franklin Institute, PECO President & CEO Denis P. O’Brie and more.
After the seminar everyone is invited to join a lively procession with flags and music that leads to Franklin’s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground for a wreath-laying ceremony that pays tribute to Ben’s contributions.
Then it’s time to break bread at a luncheon at the Down Town Club, where U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu will be presented with the Franklin Founder Award in recognition of his activities and research devoted to finding new solutions to long-term energy problems.
Check out the full schedule, and register, online.
Celebration of Benjamin Franklin’s 306th Birthday
When: Friday, January 20, seminar at 9 a.m., procession at 11 a.m., luncheon at noon
Where: Seminar at Benjamin Franklin Hall, 427 Chestnut Street; grave at 5th & Arch Streets; luncheon at Down Town Club, 600 S. Chestnut Street
Cost: Seminar, procession and wreath laying are free, luncheon is $65 per person.
More info: www.ushistory.org
January 5, 2012
Pay homage one of our nation’s most iconic leaders at one of Philadelphia's most iconic museums.
(Photo courtesy NMAJH)
On January 16, 2012, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) located on Independence Mall, will celebrate the birthday of the civil rights hero with a family-filled day of programming.
Free admission is granted for all who visit the museum between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to take part in a selection of events including self-guided tours which pay tribute to the struggles and efforts made for equality in America.
A screening of Eyes on the Prize, a TV series documenting interviews and historical footage during the civil rights movement will be shown in the museum’s Dell Theater.
In addition, NMAJH is partnering with the Fleisher Art Memorial, a tuition-free visual art school in Philadelphia, to inspire the little ones to get a bit creative with a special watercolor project from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
For other MLK Day ideas, check out our previous coverage.
The National Museum of American Jewish History MLK Day Programming
Where: 101 S. Independence Mall East
When: Monday, January 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More Info: www.nmajh.org
January 4, 2012
The center's highly relevant Fighting for Democracy exhibition closes simultaneously with the MLK day of remembrance programming; make sure to check it out. (Photo by Jeff Fusco courtesy NCC)
The National Constitution Center will participate in a big way in the 17th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 16.
The center’s day of remembrance will include dramatic performances, an opera, service projects and craft activities, all of which are free with museum admission.
In the F.M. Kirby Auditorium, there will be two performances of “Two of a Kind” (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.), an award-winning, nationally touring husband and wife duo who specialize in interactive musical programs for children. Visitors can participate in their sing-along tailored to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
At noon, a live reading of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech will be performed by local actors and students.
Throughout the day, you can make crafts like “Hands Across the World” chains and “I Have a Dream” mobiles, or participate in quilting and sewing projects that benefit the Women Against Abuse shelter. Sew quilts, baby blankets and pillows for those in need while discovering the history of quilting in communities.
Concluding the day at 3 in the F.M. Kirby Auditorium is a performance by International Opera Theater, who will present an excerpt from their opera, The Heart of a Hero. The opera combines gospel, opera, movement, poetry and spirituals, and tells the little-known stories of three posthumously-awarded Congressional Medal of Honor minority recipients.
Make sure you check out the relevant exhibition Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People, which closes that day.
Interested in other ways of participating in MLK Day in Philly? Register to volunteer at one of the 1,200 service projects throughout the city that day, or create your own personal service project within your own community.
MLK Day at the National Constitution Center
Where: 525 Arch Street
When: Monday, January 16, beginning at 11 a.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
December 19, 2011
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia is presenting the 2nd annual New Year’s Eve Ghost Tour at the Powel House, long considered one of the most haunted homes in Society Hill.
This entertaining evening (so popular last year that they’ve added an additional tour, on December 30) comes complete with a mysterious candlelight tour of the colonial-era mansion, spooky ghost stories and it’s topped off with a cheerful champagne “toast with a ghost.”
During the early days of our nation, the Powel House was the site of numerous festivities attended by the who’s-who of the time, like George and Martha Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
That said, during the ghost tour you may encounter the spirit of Samuel Powel (interestingly both Philly’s last mayor under the 1701 royal charter and Philly’s first mayor under the new 1789 charter) or his socialite wife, Eliza, or even that of the Marquis de Lafayette or America’s most notorious traitor, Benedict Arnold.
Reserve your spot online.
New Year’s Eve Ghost Tour
When: December 30 and 31, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Powel House, 244 S. 3rd Street
Cost: $25 (ages 13 and up)
More info: www.ghosttour.net
December 19, 2011
The National Constitution Center is hosting fun holiday programming the entire week between Christmas and New Year's. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
This year the National Constitution Center has got your post-Christmas holiday fun covered, as it hosts a special Winter Holiday Celebration Monday, December 26 through Saturday, December 31.
With the kids off from school this is the perfect week to check out all that the Constitution Center has to offer, including its exhibits Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America and Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”?, closing January 8 and 16, respectively.
During the week, the center’s Grand Hall Lobby will be home to a bunch of great holiday-themed activities, like arts and crafts making, where kids will be able to decorate their own confetti crackers, New Year’s noise makers and hats.
There will be holiday games and an area where visitors can make and send greeting cards to the brave men and women serving overseas in our Armed Forces.
Join in the fun as participants belt out winter classics like “Let it Snow” as part of a seasonal karaoke sing-along, and learn about New Years traditions celebrated around the world. Never heard of the English tradition “first-foot,” or Scotland’s “Hogmanay”? Let the great staff and volunteers of the Constitution Center teach you a thing or two about these fun international customs during your visit.
There’s nothing better than sharing in the spirit of the holidays, so plan your visit now.
Tickets are available online.
National Constitution Center’s Winter Holiday Celebration<
When: Monday, December 26-Saturday, December 31
Where: 525 Arch Street
Cost: Free with museum admission
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
December 15, 2011
The museum's most popular family program for more than 30 years running continues in 2011 with old favorites and new fun. (Photo by Scott Weiner courtesy NMAJH)
The National Museum of American Jewish History is giving the Hanukkah celebrants of Philadelphia a fun-filled day of festivities this Christmas.
On Sunday, December 25, from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., there will be six floors of fun at “Being Jewish at Christmas,” the museum’s annual day of family activities.
Returning this year is Jon Nelson’s Rockin’ Kids Revue and Wondergy, who will present a new interactive show, LaserScience, which celebrates the Festival of Lights and the contributions of Albert Einstein, who is honored in the Museum’s Only in America® Gallery/Hall of Fame.
Also new this year, children can make dreidels with professional artists from The Clay Studio and listen to stories read by volunteers. Families will be able to enjoy board games in the museum classrooms, in addition to episodes of The Goldbergs in the Museum’s 200-seat Dell Theater.
The Museum Store will be open with a 10% discount, and Pomegranates Café will be open from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with special child-friendly options.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be a new after-hours program for adults including cocktails, Chinese food and a special screening of the Mel Brooks classic History of the World: Part I.
Get tickets to either program online.
“Being Jewish At Christmas” at the National Museum of American Jewish History
When: Sunday, December 25, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; young friends program start at 5:30 p.m.
Where: 101 S. Independence Mall East
Cost: Free with museum admission; young friends program $15 in advance and $20 day of
More info: www.nmajh.org
December 7, 2011
Franklin Square is a wonderful wintertime attraction, with festive lights, daily holiday programming and delicious holiday-themed treats. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
With its Philly-themed mini golf, carousel and summer-perfect burgers and shakes, Franklin Square is certainly a great spot to visit during the warm months.
But it doesn’t close up shop in the winter. In fact, it gets more festive than ever, with brightly lit holiday decorations, photo opps with Santa, holiday music and more.
You can meet Santa Saturdays and Sundays through December 24 from 2-5 p.m. Kids can make holiday ornaments each operating day, and enjoy delicious Candy Cane Shakes from Stephen Starr’s Squareburger.
And don’t forget the square is brilliantly illuminated for the season, with lights and decorations.
Franklin Square’s holiday hours are listed in full online.
Franklin Square
6th & Race Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
December 2, 2011
“The Art of Being Jewish in the City” is a year-long exploration of Jews, urbanism and the arts, presented by Temple University’s Feinstein Center for American Jewish History, The Gershman Y and the National Museum of American Jewish History.
As the finale event of a special week-long residency at the museum as part of that year-long program, theater artist Billy Yalowitz will present a staged reading of his play, East Towards Home, this Sunday, December 4, 2 p.m.
The piece is a journey into the radical left-wing culture of New York City and beyond, and will speak to audience members of all religions.
Tickets (prices included below) include museum admission anytime on December 4, so it’s a great chance to explore the museum if you haven’t already!
You can get tickets online.
East Towards Home at the National Museum Of American Jewish History
When: Sunday, December 4, 2 p.m.
Where: 101 S. Independence Mall East
Cost: $5 members, $8 non-members, $5 Temple University Students
More info: www.nmajh.org
November 30, 2011
Take a look inside Elfreth's Alley homes at Deck the Alley this Saturday. (Photo courtesy Elfreth's Alley)
The residents of Old City’s historic Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously residential street, will once again open their doors for “Deck the Alley,” this Saturday, December 3, 4-7 p.m.
This annual holiday open house is hosted by the friendly, twinkle-eyed Benjamin Franklin, who will regale everyone with stories about his holiday mishaps and hand out treats for the children.
“Deck the Alley” also includes seasonal refreshments and Victorian carolers, but the main attraction is still the rare and special opportunity to see inside many of the area’s historic private homes, all decorated for the holidays.
Another special component of the event is Christmas carriage rides, available at a discounted price for visitors to Deck the Alle. There will also be a holiday raffle.
For advance tickets, call (215) 574-0560 or head online.
Even if you can’t make it this weekend, Elfreth’s Alley is a festive spot to visit all holiday season long.
“Deck the Alley”
When: Saturday, December 3, 4-7 p.m.
Where: between Front and 2nd Streets just north of Arch
Cost: $20 for Adults, $10 for Students, $55 for Families
More info: www.elfrethsalley.org
