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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T030148Z
CREATED:20260421T113400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T030148Z
UID:12205-1777834800-1777838400@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:APT Zoom - Black HISTORY MATTERS Stories
DESCRIPTION:Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) member Bob Branch\, who is often out and about portraying Bishop Richard Allen\, will share Black history stories from his days working at the Once Upon Nation storytelling benches on Sunday\, May 3 from 7-8 pm. While this is especially helpful for those who volunteer with the ‘HISTORY MATTERS Free Talks with Tour Guides’ every third Saturday\, all members are welcome and encouraged to attend this free virtual session. \nStories will include: \n\nBy the Book: Fugitive slave trial at Independence Hall. Judge Jacob Rush\, brother of Dr. Benjamin Rush\, sets escaped slave free because of Bible verse vs. Fugitive Slave Act of 1793.\nDemocratic Decision: In 1817\, 3000 free Africans meet at Mother Bethel AME Church and unanimously decide to remain in the US despite being denied citizenship and attendance at July 4th celebrations at Independence Hall.\nSpeaking Out for Freedom: In 1844\, Frederick Douglass gives a speech at Independence Hall talking about the irony of slavery existing in the land of the free.\nThe Sailor and Isaac Hopper – The Inventors of the Underground Railroad: In 1787\, as the Constitution is being written\, Isaac Hopper\, a Quaker\, organizes a group of Quakers in Philadelphia to help an enslaved sailor escape to freedom.\nJames Forten: On July 8\, 1776\, Forten\, who was nine years-old and born free\, hears the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time. He becomes a patriotic 14 year-old who serves on a privateer ship\, is captured\, but refuses to go to England. Later he becomes a wealthy sailmaker in Philadelphia who becomes disenchanted with slavery and racism in the US.\nOna Judge: In 1796\, free Africans in Philadelphia help Martha Washington’s enslaved servant escape from the President’s House.\nA Great Curiosity: In 1796\, a Free African with Vitiligo\, Henry Moss\, charges 25 cents for his performances at the Black Horse Tavern. President Washington and Dr. Benjamin Rush attend. Because of this\, Rush believes that all Africans are diseased and tries to cure them of their dark skin.\n\nPlease RSVP below to receive the Zoom link a day or so before the session. Reservations will close at 6 pm on May 3. Questions? Email Marianne Ruane at president@phillyguides.org. This is a really great opportunity to hear a veteran guide deliver some great Black history stories – sign up today and help to keep this history alive!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/apt-zoom-history-matters-stories/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bob-Branch.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T162415Z
CREATED:20260414T161754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T162415Z
UID:12178-1778698800-1778704200@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:Colonial Jewish History
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nThe next monthly meeting of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will be held on Wednesday\, May 13 at 7 pm. To commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month\, APT has invited Dr. Michael Schatz of Philadelphia Jewish History Tours who will present on Jewish history in the colonial era in Philadelphia. He’ll also highlight various sites in and around Center City as they connect to Jewish immigration periods\, and touch on contemporary Jewish community in Center City today. \nDr. Schatz is a native of Philadelphia whose family has lived in the region since the turn of the 20th century. He holds bachelor’s\, master’s\, and doctoral degrees in education and Jewish studies from Vassar College\, Arcadia University\, and Gratz College. He is a career Jewish educator\, currently serving as principal of the religious school at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley and eastern regional manager of Hebrew Helpers\, Inc. Dr. Schatz lives in Elkins Park and has been married to Elyse\, a reading specialist\, for 32 years. They are the parents of two grown children: Leah\, a reading specialist who lives in Center City\, and David\, a U.S. Marine who is based in North Carolina. \nDr. Schatz has been offering tours on Jewish history in Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods since 2016. \nCome early for dinner and drinks! The meeting will be in-person at Philly’s Gourmet Steaks\, 114 Market Street\, upstairs\, and livestreamed on Zoom. The Zoom link will be available in the APT Tour Talk newsletter the week of the meeting; non-members should contact Marianne Ruane president@phillyguides.org no later than 5 pm the day of the meeting to receive the link. A recording will be available on the APT YouTube page for a month following the talk. \nAPT 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. Zoom meetings are free. Please join us for convivial company\, good food\, fascinating presentations\, and lively discussions!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/colonial-jewish-history/
LOCATION:Philly’s Gourmet Steaks\, 114 Market Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19106\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T160000
DTSTAMP:20260427T005602Z
CREATED:20260226T184501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T005602Z
UID:11898-1778936400-1778947200@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:HISTORY MATTERS: Free Talks by Tour Guides
DESCRIPTION:Members of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will present a teach-in\, HISTORY MATTERS: Free Talks with Tour Guides\, at various sites within Independence National Historic Park (INHP) on Saturday\, May 16 from 1-4 pm. These free\, short significant snippets of history will include the history of Blacks and other marginalized groups. Participants can follow a route that starts at the Visitor Center\, continues past the President’s House\, Liberty Bell Center\, and goes along Chestnut Street to Congress Hall\, Independence Hall\, and Old City Hall. They can visit all five stops or take in as many as time and interest allow. The stories at each site are not sequential. \nThose who would like a little extra explanation and some camaraderie can join free tours that will leave the Independence Visitor Center at 1:15\, 2:15\, and 3:15 pm to escort guests around to all five sites. Look for the APT table and ‘Ask Me’ name tags! \nThis public education program is APT’s response to the March 27\, 2025 executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” This order directed the secretary of the Department of the Interior to make sure that displays at national parks do not “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times).” Instead\, he said\, they are to “focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people.” \nTo make sure the full American history is not lost or forgotten\, guides will discuss true stories about colonial slavery\, Black resistance and self-determination\, and other underrepresented narratives in early American life. The public is encouraged to attend the HISTORY MATTERS: Free Talks with Tour Guides to learn a more complete account of our country’s history. \nThe event is free\, nonpartisan\, and family-friendly. No registration is required. All are welcome!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/history-matters-free-talks-by-tour-guides-6/
LOCATION:Independence National Historic Park\, 599 Market Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event,Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/History-Matters-Talks-1.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T203000
DTSTAMP:20260511T201313Z
CREATED:20260505T190400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T201313Z
UID:12309-1779130800-1779136200@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:Philadelphia 2026 Zoom
DESCRIPTION:The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is excited to host a Zoom presentation\, “Philadelphia 2026\,” on Monday\, May 18 at 7 pm with Michael Newmuis\, the City of Philadelphia’s 2026 Director\, and Tom Caramanico and Maiti Gallen from the Independence Historical Trust (IHT). \nMichael Newmuis is a solutions-driven executive who recently served as Head of Impact at FS Investments\, a global asset manager with $76 billion in assets\, and Executive Director of the FS Foundation. Before FS Investments\, he served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia\, the region’s official tourism marketing agency. During his tenure\, he contributed to the successful execution of visionary events including the 2017 NFL Draft\, the 2016 Democratic National Convention\, and the 2015 World Meeting of Families commemorating Pope Francis’ first United States visit. \nHe will discuss preparations for more than 500\,000 visitors who are coming to Philadelphia this summer to experience several major events\, such as the FIFA World Cup soccer games\, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game\, and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. \nSince 1972\, the Independence Historical Trust has proudly served as the philanthropic partner to Independence National Historical Park\, working alongside many dedicated allies to support Philadelphia’s national parks and the vibrant communities that surround them. A key part of the Trust’s mission has always been raising the critical funds needed to help prepare for defining moments in the nation’s history\, from the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence in 1976 to the Bicentennial of the Constitution in 1987\, and now the exciting lead-up to the Semiquincentennial in 2026. \nJoin Executive Director Tom Caramanico and Director of Operations Maiti Gallen for a conversation about the projects currently underway and nearing completion for 2026. These initiatives are designed to support the incredible work of the National Park Service\, improve connectivity and the visitor experience throughout the historic district\, and help welcome millions of visitors from around the world during this once in a generation moment for Philadelphia and the nation. \nThis is a great opportunity to get updates on plans for 2026! You’ll want to be ready to share all of them with guests. Please RSVP below by Monday\, May 18 at 6 pm to receive the Zoom link. Contact APT Vice President Alex Morigi with any questions vicepresident@phillyguides.org. Sign up today to get this crucial information – the festivities will be here tomorrow!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/philadelphia-2026-zoom/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-panel-e1778465451949.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T110000
DTSTAMP:20260205T173747Z
CREATED:20260107T132840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T173747Z
UID:10937-1779184800-1779188400@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:Tour Guide Coffee Break
DESCRIPTION:The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is organizing a tour guide coffee break on Tuesday\, May 19 at 10 am at the back of the Independence Visitor Center (IVC) at 6th and Market Streets. No set topics\, just good guide talk in a casual setting. Everyone is welcome. Wear your APT lanyard and you should get 10% off your coffee\, beverage\, and more at the Independence Café. Everyone is responsible for their own drinks or snacks. \nNo need to reply – just show up!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/tour-guide-coffee-break-21/
LOCATION:Independence Visitor Center\, 599 Market St.\, 1 N. Independence Mall W.\, Philadelphia\, 19106
CATEGORIES:Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Coffee-mug-e1770312991679.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T200000
DTSTAMP:20260519T214215Z
CREATED:20260414T184145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T214215Z
UID:12187-1779215400-1779220800@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:May Outing to McGillin’s Olde Ale House
DESCRIPTION:Online registrations are now closed. Contact Vince (info below) with any questions.  \nThe Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) has arranged a special evening program at McGillin’s Olde Ale House\, Philadelphia’s oldest bar\, on Tuesday\, May 19. Doors open at at 6:30 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Be sure to sign up! Reservation details are below. \nChris Mullins\, co-owner of the family-owned bar\, and Irene Levy Baker\, author of the newly-published Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Bar\, will share stories about the bar and how it survived the Civil War\, two world wars\, two pandemics\, a fire\, and even Prohibition! You’ll hear tales of yesteryear\, ghost stories\, love stories\, and modern day secrets revealed over beers and cheers at McGillin’s Olde Ale House. \nTickets are $10 each and include: \n\nBook talk\nOne drink ticket\n Snacks\nA coupon for use towards a discounted lunch and at the new McGillin’s Shoppe\n\nIrene’s book as well as additional food and drink will be available for purchase. McGillin’s is located at 1310 Drury Street. You can purchase your ticket in the APT store\, ‘field trip: tour or site visit.’ Contact APT Director-at-Large Vince McCafferty vpmccafferty@msn.com with any questions. Join us for a relaxed\, fun\, and informative evening!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/may-outing-to-mcgillins-olde-ale-house/
LOCATION:McGillin’s Olde Ale House\, 1310 Drury Street\, Philadelphia\, PA\, 19107\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/McGillins-book.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T213020Z
CREATED:20260320T150039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T213020Z
UID:12082-1779303600-1779309000@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:Book Club for May
DESCRIPTION:The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will hold its next book club meeting on Wednesday\, May 20 at 7 pm on Zoom (Note new day. Book Club is typically scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month). There is no fee to attend and everyone is welcome. Participants should come ready to discuss the book. The selection is Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia Quakers in Exile\, 1777-1778 by Norman Donoghue II\, which details the 1777 exile of 19 prominent Philadelphia Quakers to Virginia by the Continental Congress\, who viewed their refusal to support the war effort as dangerous to national security. \nThe book explores this event through the experiences of four families (Drinkers\, Fishers\, Pembertons\, and Gilpins)\, examining the conflict between individual liberties and wartime security\, and how the once-powerful Quakers became political prisoners. Published in 2023\, it’s considered the first comprehensive scholarly work on this episode\, highlighting the tension between pacifism and patriotism during the Revolution. \nThe Zoom link will be sent out the week of the meeting in the APT Tour Talk email. Non-members who wish to attend should contact APT Secretary Pam Covey phillyguides@gmail.com by 5 pm the day of the meeting to get the Zoom link.
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/book-club-for-may-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Prisoners-of-Congress.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260527T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T231915Z
CREATED:20260422T204948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T231915Z
UID:12225-1779908400-1779913800@phillyguides.org
SUMMARY:Anthony Benezet: 1776 Trailblazer
DESCRIPTION:Join the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) for a webinar by APT corporate member Vance Lehmkuhl of the American Vegan Center to learn about a 1776 trailblazer on Wednesday\, May 27 at 7 pm on Zoom. Where he’s known at all\, Anthony Benezet’s reputation is as a refugee from France\, educational innovator\, and pioneering abolitionist. But with the 250th anniversary of 1776\, it’s worth noting how this soft-spoken Quaker paved the way for the Founding Fathers’ “Patriot” crusade. \nThis webinar for tour guides will highlight Benezet’s key role in popularizing both “natural rights” language (in the 1760s) and public opposition to British slavery among the colonists (in the 1770s)\, in addition to his seminal role in bringing his fellow Quakers to a game-changing milestone in 1776. We’ll also show how Benezet’s tireless work within the human sphere was tied to his revolutionary advocacy for animals. \nThis Zoom presentation is free and all are welcome. To receive the Zoom link\, please RSVP below by Wednesday\, May 27 at 6 pm. Questions? Email Marianne Ruane at president@phillyguides.org. Please join us – it’s a great opportunity to up your tour guide game with some lesser known history!
URL:https://phillyguides.org/event/anthony-benezet-1776-trailblazer/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phillyguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Anthony-Benezet--e1776891057131.jpg
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