Philadelphia History Meetup

The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 7 pm, in person at the Great Hall of Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 N. American Street) and livestreamed on Zoom. The meeting kicks off APT's 2025 Fall Training Program, "19th Century Growing Pains or We The People... Now What?" Professor Zachary Schrag opens up the program with a presentation on the Nativist/Bible Riots of 1844. Bring food and drinks and come early for social time!

In May and July 1844, Philadelphia suffered some of the bloodiest rioting of the antebellum period, as anti-immigrant mobs attacked Irish-American homes and Roman Catholic churches before being suppressed by the militia. The violence was part of a wave of riots that convulsed American cities starting in the 1830s. Yet even amid this tumult, they stand out for their duration, itself a product of nativist determination to use xenophobia for political gain. In the aftermath of the riots, shocked Philadelphians began debating new methods of maintaining order, a discussion that contributed to the consolidation of Philadelphia County in 1854.

Zachary is a professor of history at George Mason University. His book, The Fires of Philadelphia, describes these events and their place in history. Today, in an America beset by polarization and riven over questions of identity and law enforcement, his book shows us a city—one that embodies the founding of our country—that descended into open warfare and found its way out again.

The Zoom link will be shared in the APT Tour Talk newsletter the week of the meeting. Non-members should email Marianne Ruane at president@phillyguides.org no later than 5 pm the day of the meeting to receive the Zoom link. A recording will be available on the APT YouTube page for a month following the talk.

APT meetings are open to aspiring and working tour guides as well as anyone with an interest in Philadelphia-focused history. Attend one meeting for free and then it is $60 to join the association for the year or $10 per monthly meeting in-person event. (Early bird pricing for 2026 membership is in effect through December 31.) Zoom meetings are free. Please join us for convivial company, good food, fascinating presentations, and lively discussions.

As part of its 2025 Fall Training Program, 19th Century Growing Pains or We The People... Now What?, the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is offering a Bible Riots & Other Religious History Walking Tour on Thursday, November 13 from 9-11 am, which starts near St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church (243 North Lawrence St.) and ends at Mother Bethel AME Church (419 6th St.).

Dr. David Krueger, certified tour guide and executive director of APT corporate member the Dialogue Institute of Temple University will lead this walking tour which will begin with a discussion about Protestant-Catholic relations, immigration, and other social factors that led to the Bible riots (often referred to as the Nativist Riots) of 1844. The tour will also delve into other significant aspects of 18th- and 19th-century religious history in Philadelphia, such as the wave of religious fervor during the Second Great Awakening and the bitter struggle over slavery that divided many religious communities. This tour will also discuss approaches to discussing the challenging topic of religion in a way that conveys accurate information, while facilitating positive interactions with diverse audiences.

Check out the complete training program description to figure out the best combination of events and pricing for you. The full package of a possible 9 events PLUS a full day bus tour to Fairmount Park is ($100 member/ $150 non-member), or you may prefer to choose individual tour or lecture events ($15 member/$25 non-member) with or without the full bus day ($50/$70).

Non-members can join APT - early bird pricing for 2026 membership is available through December 31 - and receive the member discount.

This tour is also offered on Saturday November 15.
Also offered in this time slot: 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour

It's a great combination of skills building and content - please join us!

As part of its 2025 Fall Training Program, 19th Century Growing Pains or We The People... Now What?, the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is offering an 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour on Thursday, November 13 from 9-11 am, beginning at the Independence Visitor Center and ending at Mother Bethel AME Church (419 6th St.).

Matthew Palmer, APT certified guide with The Black Journey, will lead this walking tour. It begins at the President’s House and discusses Ona Judge; James Forten; Euphemia Williams who was accused of being a fugitive slave and won her court case; Dinah Nevil, a Lenape woman who insisted she was free and was helped by the Society of Friends; musician Frank Johnson; Sarah Ash and Rachel Myers who lived at an Underground Railroad site; William Still and Benezet Hall; and ends at Mother Bethel AME Church after covering the Gibbs brothers who worked on the third Mother Bethel building. While many guides know about Ona Judge and James Forten, there are lesser known people described on the tour - ordinary people who had extraordinary moments of fighting injustice and winning, either through the courts or through the Underground Railroad, and many of their homes are still standing!

Check out the complete training program description to figure out the best combination of events and pricing for you. The full package of a possible 9 events PLUS a full day bus tour to Fairmount Park is ($100 member/ $150 non-member), or you may prefer to choose individual tour or lecture events ($15 member/$25 non-member) with or without the full bus day ($50/$70).

Non-members can join APT - early bird pricing for 2026 membership is available through December 31 - and receive the member discount.

This tour is also offered on Saturday, November 15.
Also offered in this time slot: Bible Riots & Other Religious History

It's a great opportunity - please join us!

As part of its 2025 Fall Training Program, 19th Century Growing Pains or We The People... Now What?, the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is offering a free Tour of Mother Bethel AME Church on Thursday, November 13 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

Mother Bethel AME Church is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its foundational role in American and African-American history, being the oldest property in the United States continuously owned by African Americans since 1791 purchased by Richard and Flora Allen. Founded by Richard Allen, who overcame slavery to establish this pivotal institution, the church has long been a beacon for racial equality and civil rights. Over centuries, it has served the spiritual, educational, and civic needs of the African American community, symbolizing resilience and faith while expanding its influence globally to 39 countries.

During your visit, you will tour the Richard Allen Museum and the treasured sanctuary and stained glass collection. You will have the opportunity to see a collection of personal items of Richard and Sarah Allen as well as objects that have been in the church's possession from its founding in 1794. Meet with members of the Mother Bethel Historical Society, who serve as the church's docents and storytellers of this treasured and rich history and legacy.

Please note that a Lunch & Learn: Workshop of the World, from 12:30-1:30 pm, will follow the Tour.

Check out the complete training program description to figure out the best combination of events and pricing for you. The full package of a possible 9 events PLUS a full day bus tour to Fairmount Park is ($100 members/ $150 non-member), or you may prefer to choose individual tour or lecture events ($15 member/$25 non-member) with or without the full bus day ($50/$70).

Non-members may wish to join APT - early bird discount is in effect through December 31 - to receive the member discount.

This tour is also offered on Saturday, November 15. Registration is required for this free tour.

It's is a great opportunity - please join us!