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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

Did you know Philadelphia has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since before the United States officially became a country?

By 1770, just a few years shy of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 

one-third of Pennsylvania’s 350,000 residents

 were Irish. In Philadelphia, many Irish settlers lived along the Delaware River waterfront, in neighborhoods such as Kensington, Port Richmond, and Northern Liberties, 

poorly made vessels known as “coffin ships,”

 as nearly one out of five died on the journey to the port of Philadelphia. To support the wave of newcomers, the 

Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland

, or The Friendly Sons, was founded on March 17, 1771. The group kicked off its mission with a dinner celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the first documented observance in the city.

the brotherhood included 24 regular and six honorary members

. These were well-to-do men who played significant roles in the American Revolution.

Membership would grow to include figures such as 

. Despite membership being restricted to men of Irish ancestry, George Washington was a member. Washington was granted honorary membership in 1781, eventually elevating his status further when members 

The dinners continued into the 19th century, but the celebrations grew beyond the annual feast and became more political. By the 1830s, the Irish community used their patron saint’s feast day to 

As the Irish population continued to grow, Irish Philadelphians began to splinter and form more aid groups. Amid these changes, the society continued to financially support people facing starvation or exile from Ireland, especially during the Great Famine between 1845 and 1852.

 beyond their countrymen at the turn of the century, with donations being made toward relief efforts for victims of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and the Spanish-American War.

 in 2016, former Irish ambassador Anne Anderson. The organization still exists today, now known as the 

Friendly Sons and Daughters of Saint Patrick

. It commits to promoting Irish culture, education, and aid. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which it helped start, continues to celebrate Irish heritage in the city over 250 years later under the leadership of the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association.

Philadelphia’s annual parade celebrating Irish culture just happened on Sunday, a tradition dating back over 200 years.


How St. Patrick’s Day Started in Philly

People, places, and scenes from Philadelphia's past.

Philly History

City Cast Philly staff

Over 40 years ago, Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr. tapped artist and organizer Jane Golden to helm a new city initiative to curb vandalism. Since then, the organization evolved into 

 and has completed over 4,000 murals across the city, earning Philly the title of the “Mural Capital of the World.”

Last August, Golden announced she would step down from her role after the semiquincentennial celebrations. As her time comes to a close, we spoke with her about her legacy, as well as what the future holds for her, Mural Arts, and the arts in the city. 

It was the Spring Garden [Street] Bridge … It's really long. It's like six feet tall and probably each side is like hundreds of feet long. It connects the art museum area to Mantua and Powelton, and it was covered with graffiti. There wasn't a spot on it.

“ When I was hired, it wasn't yet a full-time job. And Wilson Goode said to me, ‘If you can paint that bridge with the kids in Mantua in three weeks … you will have a full-time job, no questions asked.

“ We cleaned it up , but then we decided with the kids, they wanted [the theme to be] life in the city … so it was a lot of young people doing things. And they were working so fast that the other artists, we could barely keep up with them. We painted at night. We had flashlights. We painted on the weekend.

“ There was this big dedication at the end. And Wilson Goode looked at me, he goes, ‘You did it. Under three weeks … you have the job.’

“I'm in touch with some of those young people still as adults. I know their kids. It was such a bonding experience.”

What is that work that you're doing? How would you define that?

“ We're a program that embraces nuance. People have asked me for years, 'cause we have all these different departments. ‘Are you a public safety organization? Is it education? Is it social services? Is it art? You know, what is it?’ And I would say it's all those things with art at the center. And I think it's okay to be that way.”

What have murals done for connections that we have as Philadelphians with our city government?

“ It's important to tap into the collective imagination of Philadelphians and then be able to create these large-scale works of public art that reflect our lives. And at a time when people, the world, seems frayed and divided, what art can do is shine a light on our distinctions … and underscore our commonality and humanity.

“That's what art can do, and that all can create a deeper belief in the city and that city government can be effective and creative. And that's wonderful. It's affirming.”

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here.

The founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia said that the next person who steps into her role should not only be a person who loves artists, but a person who deeply loves Philadelphia.

Mural Arts Executive Director Leaves Behind Large Artistic Footprint as Retirement Approaches

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

March 8 was International Women’s Day, but we’re celebrating women’s contributions and history all month long. Learn about the women who shaped Philly and the nation at these upcoming tours and talks.

offers several history tours throughout the city, but this one is a feminist take on your typical history lesson. Go beyond your textbook to learn about Philly women’s role in medicine, the arts, and politics. Each tour is offered daily at 11 a.m.

If you prefer to do things on your own time, you can take a 

 along the Philadelphia Women’s History Trail. This tour takes you through 25 sites and historic markers in Philadelphia and its suburbs. Stops include the home of opera singer and activist Marian Anderson and a marker honoring abolitionist Anna E. Dickson.

Philadelphia has thousands of murals splashed on its walls, many created by women, depicting women. Lace up your shoes and take your own tour around the city and 

spot the murals celebrating our city’s women

 is hosting exhibits and talks spotlighting remarkable women throughout American history. Programs include a self-guided women’s history artifact tour, an exploration of four women all named Harriet who confronted slavery, and a trivia game. Can’t make it in person? The museum has virtual programming on March 10 and 24.

Join the Library Company of Philadelphia for a fireside chat on “

The Gendered Republic: Reimagining Identity in the New Nation”

 on March 18. The talk will explore how gender roles shaped the lives of people of all races in early America and their lasting impact on cultures and laws.

Betsy Ross is one of the most famous historical figures in Philadelphia. And while her role in the American Revolution is iconic, she wasn’t the only woman contributing to the war effort. On March 22, Interfaith Philadelphia is 

leading a talk on the other unsung heroes

 during the colonial era. The discussion will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church.

Both of Laurel Hill’s cemeteries are the eternal resting places for groundbreaking local figures. Walk the hallowed grounds and learn about the 

 in Bala Cynwyd on March 22 or stay on the east side of the Schuylkill River by visiting the 

Honor the women whose contributions impacted not just Philly, but the nation, on these tours throughout March. 

Where To Celebrate Women’s History Month in Philly

Natalia Aldana

Before it was a full-month celebration, there was Women’s History Week. In 1978, a group of women in Santa Rosa, California, recognized that 

 in academics, so they organized a week in March to celebrate and educate others about women’s contributions in the U.S.

During the week of March 8, over a hundred women participated in essay contests, distributed curriculum materials at local schools, and held a parade. The event's success soon inspired women’s groups nationwide to hold similar events.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week. Seven years later, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month.

The group from Santa Rosa, now known as the 

, selected the week of March 8 to correspond with 

, officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977.

 of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first Women’s Day on Feb. 28, 1909, honored the first anniversary of the garment worker’s strikes that saw thousands of women take to Manhattan’s streets. That strike was timed to honor another garment worker’s rally from March 1857. On March 3, 1913, thousands of 

 marched in Washington, D.C., to fight for a woman’s right to vote.

In 1911, inspired by the day of recognition held in the U.S., more than a million people rallied in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland to hold the first International Women’s Day rally. On March 8, 1917, 

many women went on strike during the Russian Revolution

, which many believe led to the selection of March 8 as the international day.

Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

How do you honor Women’s History Month in Philly?

International events, such as International Women's Day, may be why we celebrate women's history in March in Philadelphia.

Why Women’s History Month is Celebrated in March

Why We Celebrate Women’s History in March

yearlong celebration of the nation’s founding

 is in full swing, culminating in major events this summer. While special attention is paid to Old City, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed, other Philadelphia neighborhoods played a special role in securing democracy.

Germantown may not have been officially part of Philadelphia in 1776, but its role in the American Revolution and beyond is crucial to understanding the history of our city and country. 

, a consortium of 20 independent cultural and historical organizations in North and Northwest Philadelphia, is making sure the neighborhood isn’t forgotten amid semiquincentennial festivities.

“A lot of people think of visiting historic sites, and they think of Independence Park or the Museum of the American Revolution,” said Tuomi Forrest, executive director of Historic Germantown. The locations in Germantown “are smaller, but the breadth of history and culture and its authenticity is something you won't experience anywhere else in the region or the country.”

The sites include museums that were once the private homes of families in the 18th century or earlier, historic cemeteries, and an arboretum, all educating about a stretch of history after European settlement.

“On one hand, you can visit a place like 

, and you can see literally the bullet holes and scars in the building from the Battle of Germantown and see the furnishings of the family,” Forrest said. “And you could go down the block and see a place like the 

, which is a newly created museum, and see original documents and photographs from the Black Arts Movement and the Black Power Movement from just a few decades ago. And you’re really getting that breadth of history.”

In just one neighborhood you can visit a 

, where teenage Sally Wister wrote a first-hand account of growing up during the Revolution.

To help Philadelphians and visitors alike experience all that Germantown has to offer, the cultural sites will host expanded programming this year.

, diving into topics such as 20th-century architecture, the Great Migration, and Germantown’s gardens. Public tours and activities will also be available on Second Saturdays as well as evening Firefly Hours. Visitors can collect stamps at each location in booklets for a chance to win prizes.

As it warms up, several festivals will take over Germantown’s streets and parks, including the 

The semiquincentennial and the neighborhood’s slate of events come at a time when 

specific facets of American history are under attack

. “No one is backing down from what I would call a very active attempt to suppress history from the federal level,” Forrest said. “All our sites are really aware of what's happening and are intentionally creating exhibits and programs that counter that narrative.”

The excitement won’t end in 2026. Next year will be a big year for the neighborhood as 2027 marks 250 years since the 

. In October 1777, American patriots fought to recapture Philadelphia from British occupation by catching troops by surprise with an attack on Germantown, where the British army had an outpost.

Mills, Creeks, & Foundations - Exploring the Lost Landscapes of the Lower Winghocking Creek

Where To Learn About Philly’s History of Slavery & Abolition

This Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood may not have been part of the city during the American Revolution, but it left a major impact on the legacy of our city and country.

Historic Germantown Teaches About Germantown’s Role in Colonial and Contemporary History 

To Learn About the Founding of the U.S., Go to Philadelphia’s Germantown

Before Philadelphia began sending its trash to Chester, prompting the 

 the city burned its waste in its own neighborhoods and shipped off the ashes far and wide.

By 1941, Philadelphia operated two reduction plants, the 

 in Juniata Park and the City Reduction Plant near the Delaware River. The plants would extract grease and nutrients from food waste for fertilizer and burn the rest, according to the 2016 book “

From Workshop to Waste Magnet: Environmental Inequality in the Philadelphia Region

Not only was this an expensive process, costing the city $100,000 a year, but unpleasant odors permeated. Yet Philadelphia's dumps weren't ideal, either, due to fires and pests. So the city built and opened several more incinerators in the 1950s: the Bartram Incinerator, the East Central Incinerator, the Southeast Incinerator, the Northeast Incinerator, and the Northwest Incinerator.

By the 1960s, residents in neighborhoods such as Roxborough began to 

complain about pollutants from nearby facilities

, prompting the closure of several incinerators and upgrades to the East Central Incinerator along the Delaware River.

Philly no longer wanted to deal with its own waste

. With just two incinerators in operation, trash and its ashes were piling up in the city. Attempts to find somewhere else to dispose of the waste were met with a resounding “no.” Residents in South Philly killed an attempt to build a trash-to-steam plant in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard in 1985.

By that point, New Jersey’s Gloucester County barred outsiders from using its landfill. Philly had been sending about 40% of its trash there until 1984. So without New Jersey to rely on, 600 tons of trash were then sent to Baltimore daily. Eventually, the Monumental City got sick of us, too, and ended its contract with the city.

In fact, the whole eastern seaboard was tired of it. Facilities in Ohio, Virginia, and South Carolina also 

, with officials in South Carolina going as far as sending their own waste back to us.

Philadelphia’s trash problem became an international scandal in 1986 when the Haitian government discovered that the Khian Sea, a cargo ship, 

dumped 4,000 tons of Philadelphia’s trash ash on its beaches

With the city losing options for waste disposal and the increasing hazards, Philadelphia closed its remaining incinerators in 1988. Today, 

the city sends 37% of its waste to incinerators

, with most going to a facility in Chester that converts it into energy to power homes. The rest ends up in landfills outside of Philly. 

Philly has been making our trash someone else’s problem for decades.

Remember When Philly Burned Trash in Its Own Neighborhoods?

The city of Philadelphia is suing the Department of the Interior and the acting director of the National Park Service after workers removed several panels at Independence National Historical Park detailing the history of slavery. The removal was in accordance with the highly criticized “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” executive order signed by President Trump, which flagged for elimination any materials on federal land deemed to disparage the country. 

But several other sites continue to educate the public about Philly’s connection to slavery and the abolitionist movement that fought against it. Here’s where to start.

 houses authentic artifacts serving as physical reminders of the harsh realities of the slave trade — from shackles and whips to tags and auction signs. You can visit LWFSM 

. The museum’s traveling exhibit is also available for your school or organization.

Home to three generations of an abolitionist Quaker family, the 

 served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Johnsons provided refuge for those needing shelter as they made their way to freedom. Abolitionists such as William Still held meetings at the site.

 were bequeathed by George Fox, founder of Quakerism, for “a stable, a Meetinghouse, and burial place.” Historic Fair Hill’s cemetery serves as the final resting place for several abolitionists, including Robert Purvis, founder of the Vigilant Society, and Harriet Purvis, founder of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. Visitors can attend 

 to learn more about the Underground Railroad and abolitionists.

The Underground Railroad did not only involve traveling by land. AAMP explores the use of waterways in the traveling exhibition “

Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad

.” Museum guests can explore how enslaved African Americans used their seafaring skills along the Atlantic Coast to escape to freedom. The exhibit is currently on view until April 26.

This historic mansion in West Fairmount Park, once home to abolitionist Judge Richard Peters, is now the 

. Visitors can go on a self-guided tour, explore historical artifacts, and learn about the mansion’s history.

 that shine a light on the history of Black resilience and resistance in Philadelphia. Tour options include the Original Black History Tour through sites in Old City; the 7th Ward Black History Tour of an area that was once home to the largest Black population in the city; the 1838 Black Metropolis Tour, which explores the Free Black population before the 1860s; Healing Legacies: Black Medical History Tour, which spotlights both groundbreaking work and unethical medical practices; and the Revolutionary Philadelphia Tour, guiding you through 1776.

As the city fights to restore the slavery memorial in our historic district, here are other local sites and tours working to preserve history. 

Where To Learn About Philly’s History of Slavery and Abolition

Sharswood, a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, is roughly bordered by Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the north, 19th Street to the east, 25th Street to the west, and College Avenue to the south. 

Sharswood's name originates from former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice 

. He lived in an estate in what is today’s Sharswood.

, the landscape began to change. German Lutherans primarily lived in the area at this time, soon followed by a 

migration of African Americans in the 20th century

. Sharswood became a hub of entertainment, with 

jazz venues peppered along the Ridge Avenue corridor

The neighborhood was not just an epicenter of art, but also the fight for civil rights. Sharswood saw tensions culminate in the 

 in 1964 and community members were victorious in 

Today, the Philadelphia Housing Authority has a significant presence in the neighborhood and has been 

. But residents and neighbor-led organizations such as the 

Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition

Brewerytown Sharswood Community Civic Association

 keep community interests and the neighborhood’s collective memories at the forefront.

. This halal cafe is located at the border of Brewerytown and Sharswood. Open Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this is the perfect place to meet up with friends over coffee at any hour of the day. You can grab a Dubai chocolate bowl, a berry bowl, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

On a hotter day, visit Jordana’s Water Ice on Ridge Avenue for the quintessential Philly sweet treat.

Many iconic landmarks of Sharswood’s past are no longer standing, such as the 

, which hosted performances by musical legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Pearl Bailey, and the 

, which was once home to the Philadelphia Athletics. However, 

 tell the history of these spaces and important figures.

 once lived at a home at 24th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Though the house is vacant, preservationists have been 

working hard to keep Thrash’s legacy alive

Several murals commemorate the neighborhood’s past and present. 

depicts Sharswood’s jazz history, iconic figures, and protests. The 

 mural is depicted on one of Sharswood’s newer affordable housing projects, incorporating 

If you have a green thumb, be sure to visit the 

. The green oasis is run by volunteers, with programs focused on urban farming, health and wellness, and community livelihood. A 

 is another space leading environmental and agricultural efforts for the neighborhood’s surrounding communities. The farm runs cooking classes, therapeutic gardening, and youth summer camps. Its main site is at 24th and Berks Streets, but it operates a satellite site and farm stand at 22nd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

 is an anchor for the community, serving multiple neighborhoods including Sharswood, Brewerytown, North Central Philadelphia, and Strawberry Mansion. Originally opened in 1962, the library regularly hosts cooking classes and movie nights, and even has a rock climbing wall patrons can access.

If you’re looking for a workout beyond the library’s climbing wall, 

 has a location right along Ridge Avenue.

If you’re headed over on SEPTA, you can catch bus routes 3, 33, or 61 to travel along the main corridors.

The North Philly neighborhood has undergone much change, but still preserves its history of artistry and activism. 

Your Guide to Sharswood

Get To Know Sharswood

Everything to know about Philadelphia neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

history

How St. Patrick’s Day Started in Philly

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

Where To Celebrate Women’s History Month in Philly

Latest articles

How St. Patrick’s Day Started in Philly

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

Where To Celebrate Women’s History Month in Philly

Why We Celebrate Women’s History in March

To Learn About the Founding of the U.S., Go to Philadelphia’s Germantown

Remember When Philly Burned Trash in Its Own Neighborhoods?

Where To Learn About Philly’s History of Slavery and Abolition

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