In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America

Join us at The Irish Center on Wednesday, October 14 from 6:00–8:30 PM for a special screening of In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America, the landmark documentary series exploring the people, movements, and defining moments that shaped both Philadelphia and the nation.

This screening of Episode 5: America explores Irish immigration, religious conflict, Black activism, the Civil War, and the ongoing struggle over who could fully claim the rights and promises of American citizenship. The event is presented in partnership with the Chestnut Hill Local as part of a broader initiative to screen all 10 episodes of In Pursuit at venues throughout Northwest Philadelphia.

Following the screening, guests are invited to stay for a conversation with Dan Biddle and Amy Cohen.

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Overiew of Episode 5 : America (1838–1871)

Episode 5: America (1838–1871) is a powerful exploration of a nation struggling to define itself amid immigration, slavery, civil war, and the fight for equality.

As Philadelphia becomes a battleground for competing visions of America, Irish immigrants, abolitionists, educators, and political leaders shape the future of the city and the nation. The episode follows figures including Abraham Lincoln, Octavius Catto, Caroline LeCount, and Jacob White as they confront questions of citizenship, democracy, and civil rights during one of the most transformative periods in American history. From the anti-Catholic riots of the 1840s to the Civil War and the promise of Reconstruction, America examines the challenges and possibilities of a nation striving to live up to its founding ideals.