NEW Our ancestors needed light in their lives every bit as much as we do. Yet, their resources were comparatively meager. Consider the primitive beginnings of artificial light in early America and trace the various means of its development to the time of the incandescent bulb.

The work done by the citizenry of this nation in the last quarter of the eighteenth century was fundamental to the establishment of our nation. But a valid argument exists that without the aid of foreign supporters the nation’s foundation would not have succeeded. Delve into the philosophies, communications, and actions of a handful of significant men, Lafayette, von Steuben, Pulaski, Rochambrau and others, that directly contributed to the existence of the U.S. 

NEW Katz will present excerpts from his numerous historical documentaries, explore the journey that led him to this work, and excavate some of Philadelphia's most interesting characters, events and stories. The portfolio of historical documentaries covers numerous moments that have been unsung, hidden or simply forgotten. Sam and History Making Productions have been awarded 18 Emmys and were the 2021 Winners of the Ken Burns Prize for Film.

NEW John Dewey lived a long time and engaged with many interesting figures in American history. In honor of America's 250th birthday, explore Dewey's professional relationships with William James (philosophy), Jane Addams (education), Albert Barnes (art), and George Norris (politics). Enjoy an entertaining and instructive look at some of America's most fascinating minds at work.

NEW World PA 250 NEW "Quakers came to do good and ended up doing well." is oft repeated because there is so much truth to it. Examine the early Philadelphians who applied the Quaker Ethos to their business endeavors, experienced unrivaled prosperity, and enabled Philadelphia to become an economic force in the world.

The America that we know began as a unique idea; ordinary people could be sovereign citizens that would govern themselves. Turn back the pages of history two and a half centuries and examine how some extraordinary men, Hamilton, Knox, Madison and Morris, labored to make this idea a reality. Learn of their backgrounds and the interactions that allowed them to form history’s first and longest living people’s federal representative republic. 

NEW Grace Kelly’s ambition was fierce. Her father was refused entry into the Diamond Scullers crew racing in England because he was “in trade.” That slap burned Grace as well. Yet, her beauty and acting skills enabled her to compete in the WASP world of Philadelphia Society. She became a real-life princess through her own integrity.Tea and scones provided.

NEW Explore the impact of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment on Britain and her North American colonies. British thinkers contributed much of the intellectual foundations for the Enlightenment, and these ideas had a significant influence on Britain and her colonies. The results, however, could be dramatically different: in some instances leading to a rational style of living and in other cases political radicalism. Investigate these disparities in art and politics. Co taught by Jean French, Museum Educator (Ret.)