Athenaeum Newsletter


In this issue: Tips of the Iceberg Talk March Programs Member News This Month in 1814
Membership · New Books · Event Calendar
Banner Image: This putto, called a "symbolic representation of the pleasure to be found in true learning," has embellished Athenaeum share certificates since 1818. Exploring The Athenaeum-Tips of the Iceberg: Maps at The Athenaeum The founders of the Athenaeum’s “first and immediate object was the collection…of American and foreign of politics, literature and science, maps, dictionaries and other books of reference to which access might be had at all hours of the day.” The highlight of this talk is John Hill’s exquisite 9-plate map of *Philadelphia and Environs, Ten Miles Round* from 1808. Curator Bruce Laverty will show this and other significant maps in the collection as well as discuss the Athenaeum’s continued and expanded commitment to cartographic collections though its Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 12:00-1:00PM Free. RSVP to 215-925-2688 or events@PhilaAthenaeum.org This event is one in a monthly series highlighting items from the Athenaeum's collections on the occasion of our 200th anniversary. March Programs Saturday, March 1, 2:00pm - Lecture and book signing: Richard Veit, “Archaeology at Point Breeze: Exploring Joseph Bonaparte’s Estate.” Free for Athenaeum Members. RSVP by calling 215-925-2688 or email events@philaathenaeum.org All Others $10, Online payment. Thursday, March 6, 5:30pm - Lecture and book signing: Diane Jacobs, Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters. Free for Athenaeum Members. RSVP by calling 215-925-2688 or email events@philaathenaeum.org All Others $10, Online payment. Tuesday, March 11, 11:00am - Socrates Cafe Discussion Group - RSVP required to gsfesq@verizon.net Tuesday, March 11, 2:30pm - Society Hill - Hot and Healthy! "How to Prevent Heart Attacks," with Robert B. Norris, M.D., F.A.C.C. Free, but RSVP required. 215-925-2688 or events@PhilaAthenaeum.org. Wednesday, March 12, 6:00pm - The Alvin Holm Lecture, co-sponsored with the Philadelphia Chapter of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art: Nancy Steinhardt, "The Classical Tradition in Chinese Architecture and the Beaux-Arts." Free for Athenaeum and ICAA Members, RSVP by calling 215-925-2688 or email events@philaathenaeum.org All Others $10, Online payment. Saturday, March 15, 3:00pm - Lecture and book signing: Robert J. Kapsch, Over the Alleghenies: Early Canals and Railroads of Pennsylvania. Free for Athenaeum Members. RSVP by calling 215-925-2688 or email events@philaathenaeum.org All Others $10, Online payment. March 19, 2:00-4:00pm - Athenaeum Genealogy Group Athenaeum Members only, RSVP required. 215-925-2688 or events@PhilaAthenaeum.org. Tuesday, March 25, 3:30pm - Larry Cordell and Lauren Lambie-Hanson, “A Cost Benefit Analysis of Mortgage Foreclosure Delay.” Free for Athenaeum Members, RSVP by calling 215-925-2688 or email events@philaathenaeum.org All others $10, Online payment. Member News Athenaeum member Nancy Moses has created a six episode documentary titled The Women of Philadelphia produced by Sam Katz's History Making Productions. Read more about it in this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, or visit the project website at www.womenofphilly.com This Month In 1814: A Look Back At The Athenaeum's Founding Year The Athenaeum opened its doors for the first time on March 7, 1814. On opening day, there were 263 subscribers (188 of which had paid their $5 dues). In February, the Board drafted a public notice describing their hopes for the new institution. This notice appeared in local newspapers on the day of the opening. Some of the founders' original plans came to fruition such as reading rooms, a general reference library, and collections of newspapers, maps, and books. Others seem to have fallen by the wayside such as becoming a center for the collection of Revolutionary War history, or exhibitions and lectures concerning chemistry and natural history. The full notice is available here. Above: Public announcement of the opening of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia. From Poulson's American Daily Advertiser, March 7, 1814. Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm First three Saturdays of the month: 11:00am-3:00pm (excluding July and August). Location: 219 S. 6th Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 The building is accessible to persons with disabilities. Group tours and research visits are by appointment only. The Athenaeum does not share this mailing list. You can Subscribe or Unsubscribe at the Athenaeum website. To read past issues, visit the Newsletter Archive.