Archives Along Girard Avenue: Girard College and the Gesu

Please note that this description has been updated due to current Girard College campus visitor restrictions

Join us for a special joint program for a behind-the-scenes look at the historic buildings and archival collections of neighboring St. Joseph's Prep and Girard College, exploring the fascinating (and sometimes intertwined) histories of these unique institutions and the neighborhood they share. From Catholic churches to civil rights, from food to fires, there’s a lot to explore.

The tour will begin at 10 AM at the Church of the Gesu at the Prep. It will feature a historical tour of the Gesu and a look at archival materials from both institutions, not typically on display, with Prep history faculty Bill Conners and Leo Vaccaro and Girard College Director of Historical Resources Kathy Haas. Afterwards, participants will have the option to join a two block walk to Girard College; our walk will be informative along the way and will end in front of the Girard College gates with a discussion of the Girard campus and history.

In order to ensure a safe visit for everyone, attendees must follow St. Joseph's Prep protocols for campus visitors.

• Masks are required for all visitors over age 2

How to get here: The Prep is easily accessible via transit, including bus routes 15 & 33 and the Broad Street line (Girard Ave Station). Parking is also available onsite.

Host or Publisher Kathy Haas, Director of Historical Resources, Girard College