Nativist/Bible Riots of 1844

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](mailto: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.