Historic
-
Examining the Local Ties to the Titanic’s Second Tragedy
More than 100 years since it sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage, the Titanic’s death toll of 1,500-plus people has essentially increased by five. As news broke late last week that all five members of the Titan submersible had died during an expedition to see the Titanic’s wreckage more…
-
Wall Street Journal: Questions Arise About Political Correctness of Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum, considered by many to be Philadelphia’s weirdest museum, has housed many medical oddities and arcana for around 160 years, writes Stanley Goldfarb for The Wall Street Journal. Among the available pieces are a malignant tumor removed from President Grover Cleveland, 139 human skulls, and pieces of Albert Einstein’s brain. Numerous people who…
-
Washington Crossing Historic Park Offering Fun Activities for Independence Day Weekend
The public is invited to spend the extended Independence Day weekend at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Routes 32 and 532 in Bucks County. The schedule of events includes: July 1 During the park’s annual Colonial Field Day, families or friend groups can compete in spirited competition while playing popular games…
-
Forthcoming Historical Marker in Abington to Honor American Resolve During Revolutionary War
Abington Township will receive a new historical marker from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to commemorate the Battle of Edge Hill during the Revolutionary War. The battle was British commander Sir General Howe’s attempt to march north to encircle George Washington’s forces, which were prepared for the attack. After three days of fighting, the…
-
This Historical Marker in Chester County Remembers Tragic Tale of Irish Railroad Workers
Visitors who are looking to tour the Irish historical markers in the Philadelphia region should not miss the one dedicated to Duffy’s Cut Mass Grave in Malvern, writes Fionnuala Boyle for the Irish Star. This historical marker was placed in memory of the 57 Irish railroad workers who died under mysterious circumstances — and are…
-
Raab Collection Unknowingly Unveils Missing WWII Condolence Letter
The Rogers family from Alabama, who lost three brothers during WWII, found out that The Raab Collection in Ardmore auctioned off a letter with significant meaning to them, writes Monica Nakashima for CBS 42. During the Battle of Tassafaronga, 30-year-old Edward Keith, 22-year-old Jack Ellis Jr., and 19-year-old Charles Ethbert Rogers died aboard the USS…
-
Most Illustrations of Ben Franklin’s Philadelphia Kite Experiment Filled with Historical Inaccuracies
Most of the illustrations of Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment on the outskirts of Philadelphia are riddled with historical inaccuracies, writes Jennifer Ouellette for Ars Technica. According to a new report published in the journal Science and Education, those images are heavily influenced by Joseph Priestley’s 1767 account of the event, which is likely not the…
-
Historic Photograph Shows Local Library in Its Infancy
A historic photograph is showing Bucks County as many have never seen it before, as one local library is seen before recent updates. The Yardley Historical Association, which regularly posts about the area’s history online, shared a photograph from 1956 that shows the Old Library at Lake Afton. In the picture, the library is much…
-
New Lower Merion Program Celebrates Township’s Rich History
The Lower Merion Conservancy is honoring the historic homes in the township with special brass plaques, writes Paul Jablow for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The pilot program first started earlier this year in the English Village development in Wynnewood, where the architecture of the manor homes pays homage to not only the rich history of the U.S., but…
-
Wynnewood’s Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Celebrates Israel’s 75th Anniversary
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is hosting its biggest celebration yet for Israel‘s 75th anniversary at the Saligman Campus at the Kaiserman JCC preschool in Wynnewood, writes Alicia Vitarelli for 6abc. The Taste of Israel Festival is an annual event but this year it has a special significance, said the officials, as the 75th…
-
Bucks County History: This Major Speedway in Langhorne Was Opened Nearly 100 Years Ago
A major speedway once stood in Bucks County, and it saw many famous (and infamous) moments in racing history. The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation discussed the history of the Langhorne Speedway online. The speedway once stood in the namesake area of Bucks County and was opened in 1926. The one-mile track, designed as round as possible to…
-
Bucks County History: Doylestown Restaurant’s Building Dates Back to 1864
In an area replete with deep roots in American history, one building in Bucks County has seen the times change with its various owners. The Doylestown Historical Society recently wrote about the Flat Iron Building, located at one of the “Five Points” in downtown Doylestown. Having housed the popular Paganini Ristorante since 1990, the building’s…
-
Titanic Survivor was Namesake of Chester’s Widener University
The sinking of the RMS Titanic 111 years ago on April 15, 1912, left its mark on the ultra-wealthy Widener family here in Philadelphia that still resonates today, writes Avi Wolfman-Arent for Billy Penn. Among the 1,500-plus Titanic dead were George Widener and his son Harry. His wife, Eleanor Elkins Widener, survived. George and Eleanor…
-
Historic Bucks County Estate Considered a Must-Stop for Both Locals and Visitors
One of the most well-known estates in Bucks County is regarded as one of the most unique buildings in the Philadelphia region. Staff writers at WGAL News 8 wrote about the estate. The Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum, located at 1237 State Road in Andalusia, an area of Bensalem, is widely regarded as one of…
-
Camden’s New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Once World’s Largest Shipbuilder: Here Is How It Got Its Name
New York Shipbuilding Corporation is one of the most confusingly named companies in the Philadelphia region, writes Avi Wolfman-Arent for the Post x News. The company was born in 1899. Its founder, Henry Morse, wanted to locate the New York Ship, as the company was often called, at a site in Staten Island. However, after…
-
Abandoned Montco Structure Noted on Worldwide List of Properties Once Worth Millions
Many abandoned mansions worldwide have fallen into despair over the years from lack of proper care, wrote Katie Warren, Libertina Brandt, and Taylor Ardrey for Yahoo Finance. Some of them were worth the equivalent of millions of dollars at the time of their construction. Today, they sit quietly, weathering decade after decade as they continue…
-
DeSales University Hosts Ceremony Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
DeSales University’s Office of Veterans and Military Services honored Vietnam War veterans at a special event this past Wednesday, marking 50 years since the last troops left Vietnam, Lehigh Valley Live reports. This was the second year in a row that DeSales held a Vietnam commemoration ceremony. The tearful ceremony moved many of the attendees…
-
Chester County History Center to Present ‘The Mushroom Man Who Changed the World’
One April 28, the Chester County History Center (CCHC) will present the world premiere of the documentary The Mushroom Man Who Changed the World: G. Raymond Rettew. The documentary highlights the life of West Chester chemist G. Raymond Rettew, his history-changing discovery: the method to mass produce penicillin, and his love and devotion to his…
Founding Partners
Advertisement
Affiliate Partners
Community Partners
