With the nation’s attention focused on Philadelphia this September for the convening of the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ visit, HSP explores the history of Pennsylvania’s Catholics in the newest document display and digital slideshow, Upon This Rock: A View of Catholicism in Philadelphia.

 

Spanning two centuries of Catholics’ experiences in the city and commonwealth, the display ranges from the first orphanage in Philadelphia, to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the “Molly Maguires,” through the formation of the Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church – the first of its kind in the western hemisphere.

 

The document display includes a digital slideshow, original photographs, manuscripts, prints, ephemera, and more, including:

• Selections from the Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church photograph collection
• A membership certificate from the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
• List of Indentures from the St. Joseph’s Asylum for Orphan Children
• The Life and Execution of Jack Kehoe - King of the “Mollie Maguires”
• And much more!