Join me this year as we explore some well-known and lesser-known mostly historic sites in Philadelphia in a monthly program I’m calling “I’ve lived in Philadelphia “forever” but have never been to ______.”
“Forever” can mean a short time or many years, and maybe you have visited the site a long time ago, or never. We'll visit locations from the 18th Century to the present time every month throughout 2025. I welcome your suggestions of places you'd like to visit.
Starting in January, we visited two landmarks of the 18th Century, Christ Church and Carpenters’ Hall. In February we visited the monumental landmark of 19th Century Philadelphia, City Hall, and in March, the 20th Century was represented by the Kimmel Center. In April we returned to the 18th Century to visit another landmark Philadelphia building, Pennsylvania Hospital. In May, we moved ahead to the Victorian period again, for a visit to the Masonic Temple, and in June we advanced once more to the 20th Century to visit an architectural masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright, Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park.
Going back to an earlier time, we visited the historic house and garden at Wyck in July, and in August we moved again to the nineteenth Century and visited the Wagner Free Institute of Science. We toured the U.S. Mint in September and explored another 20th /21st Century building in October, the Bok Building, South Philadelphia. In November, we went back to the 19 th Century to visit the Victorian Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion.
We’ll conclude the year with a most appropriate visit, to the Mummers Museum!
We will gather at museum entrance at 1100 South Second Street, just off Washington Avenue, in Philadelphia at 11 am. Mark A. Montanaro, the museum curator, will guide us as we explore the history of the country's oldest tradition.
The Mummers Museum opened in 1976 as part of Philadelphia’s celebration of America’s Bicentennial and is dedicated to celebrating the tradition of Mummery in Philadelphia. There are costumes, oral histories, video, and audio archives.
The museum’s collection brings us up close to the elaborate costumes and the captivating history behind the Mummers Parade: we’ll learn about the comic, fancy, wench brigade, string band, and fancy brigade divisions.
And there is even an exhibit to teach us how to “strut.”
The Mummers Museum is fully accessible for individuals with disabilities, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms. There is a parking lot behind the museum. The museum is accessible by public transportation: take the 57 bus south on 4 th Street or the 64 bus east on Washington Avenue.
Cost: Cost $6. ($5 per person admission plus $1 for FitC for administrative costs.) No refund after Dec. 11 (minus $2 for FitC costs).
Limited to 30 attendees.
This is a rain or shine event.
Thanks to FitC Volunteer Organizer: Joan Wells
Questions about registration? Contact mignon.adams@gmail.com
