History and Architecture of West Philadelphia (Spring Course)

6 Tuesdays from March 25 - April 29, 2024. 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Location: This course will be held at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia. It is hosted by the Social Science & History Department. Classes will meet in Room 405/406/407 on the 4th floor.

This course requires pre-registration. Separate registration is required for each student. Sign up here or call 215-763-6529 x14 for assistance.

Elizabeth Willing Powell and Paul Robeson, Anthony J. Drexel and Billie Holiday, Wilt Chamberlain and Paul Cret, John Penn and Horace Trumbauer; all called it home. Their neighborhood gave us the nation’s first botanic garden; its first zoo, and its first computer, not to mention Breyers Ice Cream and American Bandstand. Join this six -week course with Bruce Laverty for a trip through West Philadelphia history and architecture and find out what made (and continues to make) Philadelphia’s “left bank” such a successful incubator of innovation.

1. Monday, March 25, 2024 – Where the West Began, 1681-1805

2. Monday, April 1, 2024 – Country House Enclave to Street Car Suburb, 1806-1869

3. Monday, April 8, 2024 – When the World Came to West Philadelphia, 1870-1907

4. Monday, April 15, 2024 – (West) Philadelphia Improvements, 1908-1955

5. Monday, April 22, 2024 – Investment and Disinvestment, 1956-1999

6. Monday, April 29, 2024 – The New Center, 2000-2024

A list of reference materials will be provided.

Bruce Laverty is a historian who specializes in Philadelphia history and architecture. He is an adjunct professor at Drexel University where he teaches History of Philadelphia Architecture, Introduction to Historic Preservation, History of the Philadelphia Rowhouse, and Green Country Town: Penn’s Legacy in City & Suburb. He is founding director of the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project and the Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network. In 2021 he received the James Biddle Award for lifetime achievement in Historic Preservation from the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia

What is the cost?

Wagner courses are free; donations are encouraged!

Are there minimum age requirements to enter the course?

The adult lecture courses are offered on an introductory college level. They are open to anyone seeking an introduction to various areas of the sciences as well as those familiar with the subjects who wish to broaden and update their knowledge. The courses also provide an excellent opportunity for motivated junior high and high school students to supplement their current science courses and to help prepare them for further study in these fields at a college level. The courses are appropriate as well for teachers seeking to expand their knowledge.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the course?

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is located at the northwest corner of 20th and Arch Streets in Center City. It is convenient to multiple public transportation routes. The closest trolley stop is at 22nd and Market Streets. The location is also accessible via multiple bus routes and regional rail lines. There is on-street parking on the surrounding blocks, and multiple paid parking options, including a lot at 19th and Arch Streets.

Is the building wheelchair accessible?

Yes

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Click the "Contact the Organizer" link, email [email protected], or call 215-763-6529 x14.

Images from top to bottom: A view of West Philadelphia from a 1926 atlas. The Horticultural Hall built for the 1876 Centennial Exposition.

Host or Publisher Wagner Free Institute of Science