Explore the work of one of Philadelphia’s most colorful architects by taking this comprehensive, first-of-its-kind tour. Buildings that have been demolished or that are beyond walking distance will be discussed by illustrated presentation inside the Furness-designed First Unitarian Church. After the presentation, join your guide for a walking tour of nearby Furnessian gems.
Archives: Walking Tours
Around Washington Square
Walk around one of William Penn’s original planned public parks. Learn how this square served as a burial ground for over 1,200 Revolutionary War soldiers, then as a potter’s field before receiving its present name in 1825. See The Athenaeum, the first Italian Renaissance building in the US, and learn how the Square became home
Emergence of a Modern Metropolis
Experience the transformation of Philadelphia from America’s 19th century engine of industry to a 21st century capital of business and culture. This tour explores Philadelphia’s diverse range of architectural styles and building technologies from the 1860s to the present, detailing the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the modern cityscape.
Up and Over the Ben Franklin Bridge
You’ve crossed it by car or viewed it from afar; now experience this magnificent bridge from a whole new perspective! Walk from Philadelphia to Camden with our guide to learn about the history and construction of what was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Look down on the mighty Delaware River between Pennsylvania
Navy Yard
Since the closing of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in the late 1990’s, the area has been transformed into one of the most successful redevelopment projects in the city. Today it is a thriving, mixed-use riverfront community with more than 15,000 people and 150 companies and soon to be residential apartments. Learn about the Navy Yard’s
Old City
Explore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streets. See famous Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in the US, and experience the walking/mercantile city, as well as a later generation of Victorian structures. Learn how this area remained the center of Philadelphia’s commercial, retail and governmental activities until the city finally moved
Old City
Explore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streets. See famous Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in the US, and experience the walking/mercantile city, as well as a later generation of Victorian structures. Learn how this area remained the center of Philadelphia’s commercial, retail and governmental activities until the city finally moved
Henry Howard Houston and West Germantown
Presented by George McNeely Henry Howard Houston, railroad executive, investor, and real estate developer, is best known in Northwest Philadelphia for the creation of the west side of Chestnut Hill, including the railway line (now known as Chestnut Hill West), Wissahickon Inn, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Saint Martin’s (Episcopal) church, and nearby houses. But he only
Railroading in Victorian Germantown- This First Suburb and the Iron Triangle
Presented by John Ingram PhD On June 6, 1832, the Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Railroad began operating a 6-mile railway line between Germantown and the city below. Now part of SEPTA’s Chestnut Hill East line, it was the first railroad to operate within Philadelphia and established Germantown as America’s first railroad suburb. Germantown became a
Farmers, Merchants, and Land Speculators- The Rise of the Suburb in Northwest Philadelphia
Presented by Warren Williams This presentation will explore how “the German Township” went from an agricultural and early industrial community to one of the first urban suburbs in America in the years leading up to the Civil War. With the introduction of the railroad early in the 19th Century as an agent of change, we’ll
