Owned and operated by The Carpenters' Company, Carpenters' Hall hosted the First Continental Congres Interior steel supports modern structures.
On New Year's Day, 1770, Carpenters' Company members voted to proceed with their Hall. More than a meeting place, the Hall would showcase their considerable technical skills and also be available for rent. For many years the Hall was the largest rental space in the city. This fact alone assured Carpenters' Hall a key role in the events of the War for Independence. Robert Smith, a Scottish-trained
On New Year's Day, 1770, Carpenters' Company members voted to proceed with their Hall. More than a meeting place, the Hall would showcase their considerable technical skills and also be available for rent. For many years the Hall was the largest rental space in the city. This fact alone assured Carpenters' Hall a key role in the events of the War for Independence. Robert Smith, a Scottish-trained
Operating as usual
On November 15th our friends at the Urban Land Institute will be hosting their annual Real Estate Forecast at World Cafe Live in Center City Philadelphia.
Check it out:
If you are a current sponsor, please reach out to [email protected] to pre-register with your complimentary Forecast tickets.
This Thursday, October 13, 2022, two Carpenters' Company members will be honored at the Corporate Campfire Gala of the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America- Steve Pouppirt and Maura Hesdon
We're incredibly proud of both of them! Check out the event at the link below.
Support Scouting by attending one of our tournaments, receptions or dinners.
Happy birthday to the great Denise Scott Brown!
Happiest of birthdays to Philly architecture royalty Denise Scott Brown who turns 91-years-young today. See her incredible photographs and read all about her and husband Robert Venturi’s efforts to save South Street from the dreaded Crosstown Expressway plan in the 1960s/70s.
👉 https://hiddencityphila.org/2020/02/saving-south-street-through-the-lens-of-denise-scott-brown/ 👈
Due to unforseen consequences, the event "Questioning the Ethics of Prison Architecture" at Eastern State Penitentiary has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date!
This Wednesday, join us at Eastern State Penitentiary as we co-present this pressing discussion with architect Michael Kimmelman.
Free. Advance reservations recommended. Or join online via Zoom webinar. Should architects be discouraged from designing prisons? In 2015, an organization called Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility petitioned the American Institute of Architects. The petition requested a formal s...
As the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II commences, we at Carpenters' Hall send our condolences to the Royal Family and the United Kingdom during this time of grieving.
In 1976, Queen Elizabeth visited Carpenters' Hall for the occasion of the Bicentennial of American Independence. In these photos you can see her shaking hands with John Game, President of The Carpenters' Company and you can see the signature of the Queen alongside the signature of Prince Phillip.
Check out this article that was published yesterday on The First Continental Congress and Carpenters' Hall!
The First Continental Congress convened on on Sept.5, 1774, including delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies and Founding Fathers such as John Adams, Patrick Henry and George Washington.
All of us at The Carpenters’ Company are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David McCullough, a brilliant historian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and lecturer.
In 2018, to show appreciation for his work and for others he inspired, we announced the David McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History. The prize recognizes individuals and organizations whose work significantly impacts the public's understanding of American history. Past recipients include Lonnie Bunch from the Smithsonian Institution, Bryan Stevenson from the Equal Justice Initiative, and the Philadelphia Black History Collaborative, and the next recipients will be announced in spring 2023.
"David called Carpenters’ Hall ‘the acorn of American democracy’ because we hosted the First Continental Congress,” said Michael Norris, executive director of The Carpenters’ Company, “and we are honored and humbled to play a small part in continuing his enormous legacy through the McCullough Prize. He will be greatly missed.”
Photo credit: Laura Clevenger
The Kickoffs today : in-person events across the country, quizzes, friends, zines, posters, and a Livestream you can enjoy from the comfort of your own couch! Find an event near your OR get a reminder about the Livestream at www.TheCivicSeason.com/kickoff/
It's a party, and everyone's invited. Whether you attend in-person or stream from home, celebrate what you stand for on June 12.
Dr. Jill Biden appeared on the cover of the most recent issue of Harper's Bazaar Magazine. Throughout this article, the First Lady is captured at various locales around Independence National Historical Park- including Carpenters' Hall!
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a40017113/first-lady-jill-biden-cover-june-2022/
A pandemic. A war. A country at its breaking point. Dr. Jill Biden has faced it all with the grace and conviction that has guided her all her life—showing up for her students, her friends and family, the American people, her husband, and herself.
Carpenters' Hall is thrilled to be part of this unique event at the Science History Institute this weekend. Check it out!
Join us for a lively discussion on the varying degrees to which scientific labor is recognized and rewarded.
Join our friends at Elfreth's Alley Museum this coming Saturday, June 4th, as they hold their annual Fete day! Every year on Fete day, the contemporary residents of Elfreth's Alley open their doors and allow visitors to see what life on the Alley is like!
Check out tickets here:
https://elfrethsalley.ticketleap.com/t/fbfete22/
We are very thankful to have received this allocation!
📢📢Proud to announce $815,000 to The Carpenters’ Company for the comprehensive renovation and restoration of the historic Carpenters' Hall! Improvements will include new HVAC, utility connections, lighting, gutters and flashing, and masonry and millwork repairs.
The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia provides education, fellowship, and support for builders, architects, and engineers, and preserves and maintains Carpenters’ Hall. These renovations will ensure the Hall and its work are resilient for years to come.
Thanks for the shout out, Baltimore Heritage!
Join us for a talk by Dr. Aaron Passell of Barnard College
We’re excited to announce our partnership with America250, the organization leading the charge on the commemoration of the 250th of America. The agreement between Carpenters' Hall and America250 establishes the Young People’s Continental Congress, or YPCC, as a national partner program and as a signature project to kick off the events at the local, regional and national level for the two years leading up to July 4, 2026. Read more about this partnership, YPCC: https://www.carpentershall.org/ypcc
A reminder to register to our May 2nd Labor History event! Virtual and in-person ticket options available.
Use promo code "earlybird" to receive 15% off before April 15th.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-fruits-of-our-labor-exploring-the-history-of-work-in-philadelphia-tickets-256274603237
Join us for a day-long symposium as esteemed panelists and speakers explore Philadelphia's labor history.
Up until the end of today, Carpenters' Hall will be donating all donations in our donation box to UNICEF to aid their humanitarian efforts in Ukraine!
You can also donate directly to UNICEF at the link below.
http://www.unicefusa.org/philadelphiaforukraine
Donate NowA new child refugee every second One month since the start of the war in Ukraine on Feb. 24, more than half of Ukraine's estimated 7.5 million children have been displaced. The outflux of people — mostly children and women — fleeing violence in Ukraine dwarfs all other refugee crises o...
Our friends at Fort Mifflin will be hosting this fabulous event on March 26th!
Experience the ambiance of a colonial-era tavern in Philadelphia when Fort Mifflin transforms the Soldier's Barracks into the Cannonball Tavern, complete with authentic beverages and light tavern fare. Enjoy tavern games, the warm glow of a cozy fire and the company of civilians and soldiers of the....
Tonight! At 6 PM come check out this first Friday event at The Center for Art in Wood.
This is a hybrid event so there are options for attending in person as well as virtually.
https://centerforartinwood.org/event/object-lesson-alex-palma-assistant-director-of-carpenters-hall/
Object Lesson with Alex Palma, Assistant Director of Carpenters’ Hall | Friday, March 4, 2022 | 6:00 pm EST | Hybrid Event *attend in person or via ZOOM Click HERE to RSVP Object Lesson is a monthly First Friday speaker series that will open wide the cases of the Center’s Museum Collection th...
Wednesday, March 2nd- consider attending a virtual talk on "Poor Richard's Women" with author Nancy Rubin Stuart.
This talk is free to attend! Many thanks to our friends at the American Philosophical Society for partnering with us on this event!
Join us for a fascinating exploration of the many women in Benjamin Franklin's orbit.
For Presidents' Day:
Carpenters' Hall will be open to the public! Typically the museum is closed on Monday, but we will be open in celebration of the Holiday.
Additionally, we have arranged for a small pop up exhibit. This exhibit shows the historical connection between Carpenters' Hall and various US presidents throughout history.
Check out this event on February 16th by our colleagues at the The Geographical Society of Philadelphia
https://geographicalsocietyofphiladelphia.ticketleap.com/kunga/
Wednesday, February 16, 2022, we're in for a treat! Join the Geographical Society of Philadelphia's board president Dr. Jill Weber at Rex at the Royal (in-person and virtual), 6:30-8 PM. We’ll meet for drinks and conversation, and hear about Dr. Weber’s discovery. For decades, scholars knew of a...
Another recent article about our foray into Airbnb experiences!
Made By Us experiences are special tours of sites not normally open to the public at museums all over the U.S. We took a look at two sites in Philadelphia.
Today at 9:30 AM:
Independence National Historical Park will l be kicking off Black History Month by celebrating the 80th consecutive wreath laying at the Liberty Bell in honor of National Freedom Day.
In addition, this wreath laying will mark the opening of an exhibit in the Liberty Bell Center entitled "Freedom on Trial." This temporary exhibit explores how men, women, and children, escaping a life of enslavement, once faced legal hearings for their freedom inside Independence Hall - the same building where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Please consider checking it out!
Great article about our recent participation in "AirBnB Experiences"
Check it out!
Made By Us experiences are special tours of sites not normally open to the public at museums all over the U.S. We took a look at two sites in Philadelphia.
We're excited to have partnered with the National Liberty Museum on this fascinating event! On February 2nd, join us at 5:30 PM:
"Craft, Protest, & Feminism: Disrupters Yesterday & Today" is a conversation between Shannon Downey and Dr. Hinda Mandell, moderated by Omkari Williams. The content of this program will be concerned with the intersection between the historical and contemporary when it comes to craft as political expression.
This program is part of NLM's craftivism exhibit, that runs until February 28, 2022.
https://www.libertymuseum.org/event/craft-protest-feminism/
Art by Shannon Downey. The Carpenters’ Company and The National Liberty Museum present a provocative virtual conversation between craftivist Shannon Downey and Dr. Hinda Mandell, associate professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. Shannon will discuss her work and exhibition, […]
Carpenters' Hall is now available on Airbnb Experiences. At the link below, book an exclusive after hours tour of our building. Following the tour, take part in a whiskey tasting and close out the night with a toast to good health and revolution!
Philadelphia - You’ll get a private, after-hours tour of historic Carpenters’ Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the birthplace of American democracy. First we’ll show you the main hall where the Congress met, where you’ll see original artifacts from the period and ...
Next Friday, January 14th, please consider attending the 2022 Benjamin Franklin Birthday celebration! This year's celebration honors Wendell Berry, a renowned farmer, activist, poet and essayist. Mr. Berry will be presenting virtually on "History, Access, Sustainability and the Future." His keynote address will be paired with a panel discussion featuring Philabundance CEO Lorree Jones moderating a discussion with Erik Oberholzer, entrepreneur and chef, and Dr. Marion Nestle, NYU professor and creator of the Food Politics blog.
Register at the link below!
http://www.franklincelebration.org/
Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder is a consortium of representatives of Franklin-related organizations that annually celebrates Franklin's birthday with seminars, a procession to his grave and luncheon. Each year, the celebration focuses on a different theme related to some facet of Franklin's
This consider contributing to our friends at PHILADELPHIA250 !
https://www.philadelphia250.us/act-now/declare/
The Declaration of Independence marked a revolutionary departure from the way the world used to be, and led to a new system of self-government that is of, by and for all the people. We encourage you to take a stand—make a declaration—about what you want to see by 2026. Let your voice be heard an...
Today is Museum Store Sunday!!! Make an online order today, November 28th, and receive a complimentary pack of postcards with your order.
You'll find our online shop at the link below.
https://carpentershall.square.site/
This coming Monday/Tuesday- consider signing up for this fascinating walking tour by our friends at Historic Christ Church and Burial Ground!
⚠️ NEW ⚠️ Christ Church Neighborhood Walking Tours: First Generation Africans of the 17th – 18th Century
Put on your winter coats and walking shoes for an informative tour around Old City at noon on Monday, November 29 and Tuesday, November 30. Join us as we take a 40-minute walk around town to examine the legacies of first-generation Africans who made a way out of no way to survive a city which sought to enslave themselves and their future generations for life. Together, we will visit sites that set American history in motion yet receive little to no recognition to this day. Dress warmly and bring your curiosity!
Email Hannah Wallace ([email protected]) to reserve your spot!
Additional Details:
Check in location: Christ Church at 2nd & Market Streets
Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (12 and under)
Capacity: 15 people
Tour Length: About 40 minutes outdoors (dependent upon the weather)
Walking Distance: 0.5 miles
Schedule:
12:00 – 12:10PM: Check in at the Christ Church Gift Shop.
12:10 – 12:50PM: Walking Tour
12:50 – 1:00PM: Return to Christ Church and view our Gift Shop!
This Veteran's Day- consider reading this article on our website about the contributions of The Carpenters' Company and Carpenters' Hall to the Military in Early America. Penned by Carl Karsch.
From a second floor window, Carpenters' court appears park-like, almost bucolic. Two centuries ago it was neither. British redcoats had hardly abandoned Philadelphia in June, 1777, before both the Hall and court became a major center for storing and repairing American army ordnance. Wagonloads of ca...
This Saturday, November 6th- Carpenters' Hall is partnering with the Museum of the American Revolution and others to present "Occupied Philadelphia." Check it out!
https://www.amrevmuseum.org/events/occupied-philadelphia-2021
Outdoor activities on the Museum's Plaza are FREE and open to the public. Walking tour tickets sold separately.Walking Tour Ticket PricingGeneral Admission (plus Museum admission) - $29General Admission (walking tour only) - $12Members - $8
In collaboration with Eastern State Penitentiary and Philadelphia Film Society...
Please join us for a special screening of "Just Mercy" at the Bourse. 7 PM on November 2nd.
This film is based on the life of Bryan Stevenson- who will be awarded the David McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History on November 9th
https://filmadelphia.org/events/just-mercy-bourse/
Carpenters' Hall presents a community screening of director Destin Daniel Cretton's powerful 2019 film JUST MERCY, based on the bestselling book by renowend civil-rights attorney Bryan Stevenson (played by Michael B. Jordan).
Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative was interviewed recently for Vox.
The Carpenters' Company will be awarding Mr. Stevenson the second McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History November 9th, 2021.
The attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative joins Vox Conversations to discuss the newly expanded Legacy Museum, the conservative crusade against critical thinking, and why working to end racism isn’t enough.
Carpenters' Hall updated their business hours.
America250 is recognizing America's heroes this year. Do you know someone in your community that's gone above and beyond to do the right thing? Go to the link below and nominate them!
Categories of nomination include:
9/11 Heroes, First Responders, and Community Champions.
I nominated someone whose heroism embodies the American spirit for the America250 Awards. If you know an American hero, they could be recognized live on the field during an NFL game on Thanksgiving Day. Nominate them now then share their story using
Today is the 200th birthday of Philadelphia abolitionist William Still. During his life, Still would operate a stop on the "underground railroad" out of his house on Delhi street. In 1872, Still penned "The Underground Railroad" - a book that would help normalize the term in the popular imagination.
When the book was published, The Carpenters' Company acquired an edition to retain in its library. A copy of "The Underground Railroad" remains in the holdings of The Company today, at the link below you can see a catalog entry for it!
Today Carpenters' Hall is participating in National Voter Registration Day. We're registering people to vote on site all day today.
If you haven't registered, come on by and we'll sign you up and get you ready to participate in American Democracy !
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