As part of the Philagrafika 2010 festival, five Philadelphia organizations with historical collections were paired with contemporary artists, and this partnership spawned unique and varied works of art. This panel discussion will bring together artists, historians, curators, and community leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of these innovative collaborations.
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Join HSP for the opening of a unique art installation created by contemporary artist Duke Riley. Riley uses old maps and documents about Petty’s Island from HSP’s collection as inspiration for his project. Riley will explore the little-known history of Petty's Island and “reclaim” the island on behalf of Ralson Laird, an Irish immigrant who once called the island home. This event is part of Philagrafika 2010, Philadelphia’s international festival celebrating print in contemporary art. The exhibit will continue through April 11.
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Everyone has a story to tell. Learn how to share yours at PhilaPlace.org, an interactive Web site that connects stories to places across time in Philadelphia neighborhoods. At this workshop, PhilaPlace project director Joan Saverino will discuss PhilaPlace and show visitors how to log their own memories, use the interactive map, access audio and video clips, create tours, and view historical records.
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Join the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Honorable Mayor Michael A. Nutter as we celebrate the launch of PhilaPlace.
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December 2 marks the 150th anniversary of the hanging of John Brown, a radical abolitionist who organized a raid on an arsenal in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. After his death, John Brown’s body traveled through Philadelphia. The mayor worried about riots in the streets, so a plan was devised to sneak Brown’s body away safely. Learn about this story and commemorate the anniversary of this pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights. The guest speaker will be Dr. Louis A. DeCaro Jr., author of Fire from the Midst of You: A Religious Life of John Brown.
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Held in HSP’s conservation lab, this hands-on workshop will teach genealogists how to protect their family documents. Learn how to use proper archival materials, how to repair minor tears and stains, and how to handle old photographs. Each attendee will be given a conservation kit, including a micro spatula, bone folder, water brush, and mending paper samples. Participants are welcome to bring one personal item, which will be assessed by HSP’s conservation director.
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Looking for information about a “reb” or “yank” in your family tree? This how-to workshop will give you the skills to successfully search for your Civil War ancestor. Learn how to make sense of muster rolls, service rolls, pension records, and other primary and secondary sources. Find out which Civil War genealogy Web sites are worth your time.
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Following HSP’s annual general meeting, the Historical Society will display the recently preserved journal of William Still, the “Father of the Underground Railroad.” The journal was preserved and digitized thanks to a generous donation from The Penn Towne Chapter of The Links, Inc. Guests can view the original journal and its detailed descriptions of the fugitive slaves who traveled through Philadelphia.
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This annual business meeting is open to HSP and joint GSP-HSP members
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HSP is the largest genealogy center in the Mid-Atlantic region, with records from every state east of the Mississippi River. Learn more about the expansive resources available at the historical society, including deeds, probate records, church records, ship passenger lists, and newspapers from 18th- and 19th-century Pennsylvania. This workshop is aimed at beginners, but there will also be useful tips for experienced researchers.
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This beginner workshop will provide novice genealogists with the tools and knowledge they need to begin their family history search. Learn the proper way to conduct family interviews and review family records. Find out what resources are available and how best to use them, including public records, federal and local repositories, historical societies, ancestral DNA testing, and genealogical databases.
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Kim Sajet, president of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, will examine the relationship between artists William Birch and David Kennedy. This is one in a five-part series of free lectures related to the exhibition West Philadelphia: Building a Community, which is on display at the Arthur Ross Gallery through October 11.
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