The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will hold its first meeting of 2023 on Wednesday, January 18, 7 pm, at Philly’s Gourmet Steaks, 114 Market St. in Old City. (Please note that this is the THIRD Wednesday of the month, not the second one which is when the monthly meeting is usually held.) Come early to grab food and drinks! Kicking off the meeting will be a short talk by APT’s own Jim Houliston whose book BIG3MMD: History’s Ambidextrous and the Benefits of Mirror Movement Development covers the history and science of mirror movement development (MMD) as the world’s first modern biscriptal book, written in both traditional and mirrored script.

Jim will discuss some historic MMD practitioners and promoters including Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, Ancient Greece, Nikola Tesla, Mozart, Michelangelo, and Thomas Jefferson, among others. Their  handedness, various of whom were polymaths, virtuosos, and renaissance men, is presented in his book. Join us to learn what made Benjamin Franklin’s brain so different and hear about the impact of his promotion of ambidextrous learning. The practice of developing dual-dominance produces profound physical and mental benefits – after Jim’s talk, you might want to try it yourself!

Jim’s book is the featured selection for 2023’s first book club meeting on Jan. 24.

Following the presentation will be a working meeting. The Board is interested in hearing from members – feedback on last year’s activities and suggestions for 2023. Members will also be able to sign up for and meet with APT committees to brainstorm ideas and possibly start some projects.

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 $50 to join the association for the year or $10 per monthly meeting in-person event. Zoom meetings are free. (Our intention is to have every meeting be hybrid in-person and zoom. Check your APT email the week of the meeting for the zoom link.) Please join us for convivial company, good food, fascinating presentations, and lively discussions.