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Greetings
from the Executive Director,
I have just a short announcement about summer closings. Our last First Saturday of the summer will take place on Saturday, June 6th, from 10am to 2pm. We will then close for First Saturdays in July (4th of July), August, and September (Labor Day weekend). First Saturdays will resume in October and continue as they have been this year. This will give our wonderful volunteers and faithful staff a summer break. Let me also take this opportunity to thank our two stalwart Saturday volunteers, Margaret Ullman and Bernie Resnick, who have been the mainstays for Saturday openings. Without their help this would not have happened for the Athenaeum.
Banner Image:
Independence Mall. Watercolor by Luciano Guarnieri, c. 1960.
Member Program: Rebecca Yamin Lecture
 Digging
in the City of Brotherly Love: Stories from Philadelphia Archaeology presents the story of Philadelphia from a new perspective, from beneath the modern city. Rebecca Yamin describes major excavations that have been launched since 1992 as part of the redevelopment of Independence Mall and surrounding areas. Her book tells the stories of forgotten residents and presents an enriched and colorful picture of Philadelphia as it was. Athenaeum member Rebecca Yamin is a historical archaeologist with John Milner Associates, Inc. Her specialty is urban archaeology. In addition to studying Independence National Historical Park, she has directed her efforts toward the Five Points neighborhood of New York City.
Date:
June 10, 2009
Time:
5:30PM
RSVP to
Susan Gallo, 215-925-2688 or sgallo@philaathenaeum.org
Reception
and book signing will follow.
Hyman Myers Receives The James Biddle
Award
 At
the 16th Annual Preservation Achievement Awards sponsored by the
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia on Monday, May 11, 2009,
Athenaeum Board member Hyman Myers received the James Biddle Award in
recognition of lifetime achievement
in historic preservation. A member
of Vitetta, Hyman Myers has directed preservation projects at the Pennsylvania
Academy of the Fine Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Pennsylvania State
Capitol, among others.
L-R: Athenaeum Board Members
Charles Snelling, Satoko Parker and Hyman Myers at the Preservation Achievement
Awards. Photo by Sandra Myers.
Back On My Feet Benefit
 In
celebration of eight years in Philadelphia, The
Bridgette Mayer Gallery is holding a benefit exhibition to support
the non-profit group Back
on My Feet. Back on My Feet promotes self-sufficiency of
Philadelphia's homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to
build self confidence, strength and self-esteem. The benefit will feature
100 10" x 10" panels by gallery artists, Philadelphia artists, and
Back on My Feet artists, ranging in price from $500-$1000. Proceeds from
the event will go directly to Back on My Feet.
The
Athenaeum's Regional Digital Imaging Center scanned the artwork for the online
version of the exhibition. We're happy to support our Washington Square
neighbor in this worthy cause. The gallery is located at 709 Walnut
Street. The exhibition opening will be Friday June 5, from 6:00-8:30pm.
It will run through June 27. Contact the gallery for more information at
215-413-8893 or www.bridgettemayergallery.com
Photo:
Courtesy Bridgette Mayer Gallery.
Model Restoration
 In 1981, long-time Athenaeum member, Samuel J. Dornsife, donated a pair of 1874 hand-made models of English buildings, one of a residence and the other of a church. The first has been on display on the flat-file cabinets at the bottom of the grand stair for several years. The second has been hidden away in storage for three decades.
 Earlier this year Athenaeum volunteer, Mary Ellen Weber, as part of her inventory of our museum collection, discovered the second model
in its original container, in multiple pieces. Thanks to the skill and generosity of Mary Ellen’s husband, Robert Stern, the model and its glass display case have been carefully and beautifully reassembled. The church model now takes its place next to its companion, at the bottom of the grand stair. Check it out on your next visit.
----Thanks, Bob!
Photos
by Jim Carroll.
Book Arts Workshop with Maria Pisano
 How
would you describe yourself? Come and make a pop-up book where your name is the
starting point for the creation of this unique work. We will explore
collage, drawings, and text and create a wonderful book that speaks about who
you are.
Book
Workshop Registration
Above: Carousel
book made by Denise Fox at one of last summer's book workshops. Photo by Jim
Carroll.
Save
the Date:
June
6: First Saturday, Athenaeum Open, 10:00am-2:00pm
June
9: Socrates Cafe, 11:00am
June
10: Member Program, 5:30pm
June
13: Children's Day at the Athenaeum, 11:00am
June
13: Book Arts with Maria Pisano,
1:00pm
June 20: Introduction to
calligraphy with Harriet Ackerman, 1:00pm
See
the Event
Calendar for details and additional
events.
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