Join me this year as we explore some well-known and lesser-known mostly historic sites in Philadelphia in a monthly program called “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 2026. I welcome your suggestions of places you'd like to visit.
Last year we visited everywhere from City Hall to the Bok building. We started the new year with two 18th Century landmark homes in Society Hill, the Powel House and the Hill-Physick House, both properties of the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. Next was the Free Library and their Rare Book Department and in May we had a very special visit to the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry’s Armory. In June we had a tour and chance to try some beverages at the Man Full of Trouble Tavern in Society Hill.
Now in July we’re going to visit the Philadelphia City Archives for a general tour and time to see the current exhibit.
Thursday, July 23 2 to 3:30 pm
We will gather the City of Philadelphia Archives, 548 Spring Garden Street, for a tour of the archives led by one of the city’s archivists. We will also have a chance to enjoy the current exhibit,
Look Up: A.M.Calder and The Faces of City Hall.
Philadelphia’s City Hall is adorned with 250 sculptures that represent the Philadelphia’s people, philosophies, ambitions and natural resources. Before each marble carving was hoisted into place, it was photographed inside the workshop of sculptor Alexander Milne Calder. These stunning photographs are bound in a newly resurfaced, five-volume book which was published in 1883.
These volume titles, “Sculptures and Ornamental Details in Bronze and Iron on the New City Hall of Philadelphia,” are on display in the exhibition with other City Hall artifacts at the City Archives.
Accessibility: The Philadelphia City Archives entrance has one set of five steps leading down into an atrium. There is an accessible elevator/lift available at the entrance.
Directions: The Archives is accessible by public transportation, especially the 43 bus on Spring Garden Street and the 47 bus northbound on 5th Street and southbound on 7th and 8th Streets.
There are also designated parking spots for visitors in the Target parking lot on 6th Street, south of the Archives.
Meet at the main entrance to the Philadelphia City Archives at 548 Spring Garden Street. The tour will conclude about 3:30 pm, and...what do we see but the Yards Brewing Company right next door! In case we need some libation after the tour…
Cost: $6 ($5 donation to the Philadelphia City Fund and $1 for FitC for administrative costs.) No refunds for cancellation.
Number: Limited to 30 attendees.
This is a rain or shine event.
Thanks to FitC Volunteer Organizer: Joan Wells
Questions about registration or cancellation? Contact mignon.adams@gmail.com
