In 2021, for the first time, APT is offering its handbook online to streamline the evolution process. Members are encouraged to submit changes and additions – other neighborhoods, more people of historical significance, more details on architecture, etc. – to create a truly inclusive document. It’s your handbook! As more information comes in, the handbook will be updated and the newest version uploaded so that members accessing the document online will always have the most recent version. Members are invited to view the document online or download it to print relevant sections. And a hard copy is still available to those who would like one.
Please be advised that while the current online version is being edited for style, the information is complete for certification exam preparation.
APT asks that members not share the password to the online version with others. The committee members donated their time and talents, for which APT is very grateful. The price was purposefully kept reasonable to make the handbook accessible to all who would like to work with it while allowing some operating income for the association.
COST
- $25 online pdf, one-time fee, always accessible through the website as long as membership is maintained
- $35 hard copy with pickup
- $45 hard copy mailed
- $50 hard copy with pickup, one time only, AND online pdf, one-time fee, always accessible through the website as long as membership is maintained
- $60 hard copy mailed, one time only, AND online pdf, one-time fee, always accessible through the website as long as membership is maintained.
To purchase a handbook, please go to the APT Store.
CONTENT
The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides HANDBOOK is divided into six main parts:
The Business of Guiding explains the many opportunities afforded to tour guides, from part-time volunteering to owning a full-time business. This section also features tour guiding techniques and offers valuable advice to both the novice and seasoned guide.
Touring Philadelphia highlights 12 areas and neighborhoods popular for visitors. All APT members are encouraged to submit new or revised sections for inclusion. Entries are listed alphabetically for ease of search and include interesting facts about each site. Most sections also end with a recommended tour route.
The People of Philadelphia is an alphabetical listing of important people who contributed to the history and development of Philadelphia.
Architectural Styles and Terms provides a basic, illustrated overview of Philadelphia building types and examples.
Further Reference provides guides with recommended reading materials.
Index is an alphabetical listing of sites in Part II Touring Philadelphia. The index directs the user to the neighborhood where a given site is located.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The first handbook was completed after the association was founded in 2008. Many members contributed to its original content and design, with APT founders Ed Mauger and Bob Skiba overseeing most of the work. Since then, the handbook has undergone numerous edits, with the last edition issued in 2017.
Ever the visionary, Ed Mauger, in his final year as APT President, suggested that the handbook should be grouped by neighborhoods and eras so that guides could tell a complete story about an area or era. He was ever focused on how APT could help guides tell the best stories to our visitors. The handbook committee has attempted to create a more useful handbook while using the same basic information so ardently researched years ago. The committee looks forward to seeing the handbook evolve in the years to come.
APT extends sincere gratitude to the 2020/2021 Handbook Committee:
William Benkert
Rick Heimann
Jennifer Hensell
Charlie Krueger
Jim Murphy
Lena Pinto
Judy Smith – Committee Chair
David Soltesz
Warren Williams
To purchase a handbook, please go to the APT Store.