Philly urban history tour hosted by a city planner

Discover the history of Philly's built environment. Learn the origins of its many nicknames. Experience the Parkway, its artistic heart.
About this Event

How did a map make Philadelphia the largest city in early America?
Why does Michelin call it the Frenchest America City?
Did a skyscraper really anger the spirit of the city’s founder, causing a decades-long curse?

I'll explain all this and more...

Lenape, New Sweden & William Penn

Learn why the city is where it is, from indigenous people to the Europeans, and how Philadelphia got its nickname, "City of Brotherly Love."

William Penn: City Planner

Learn how a map made the city the largest in early America and how Philadelphia got its nickname, "City of Firsts."

Growing pains & consolidation

Learn how Penn's plan led to lawlessness and why Philadelphia is called a "City of Neighborhoods."

On the world stage

Learn how changing Penn's plan turned the city into "The Workshop of the World" and why Philadelphia began to market itself as a "City of Homes."

Decline, rebirth & the modern city

Learn why the city declined in the 1950s, what led to its rebirth, and how Philadelphia gained the nickname, “The Mural Capital of the World.”