Backgrounders

News backgrounders and local history from the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia and other trusted sources.

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Have you checked out @MARCHRUCamden on Twitter? Give them a follow for Greater Philadelphia Public history, artifacts, and discoveries.#publichistory #greaterphiladelphia #historiccamden #publichumanities @Rutgers_Camden

[MARCH @MARCHRUCamden]

📸Join us on Instagram for Flash🔙Friday where we highlight various houses & structures on Cooper Street in Camden, NJ that border @rutgers_camden!🏫 #PublicHistory #PublicHumanities
https://t.co/Y9KUpeSXNG

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Unveiled during Philly’s Bicentennial celebration, Clothespin is a 45ft sculpture across the street from City Hall, begging the persistent question: Is it really just a giant clothespin? https://t.co/ftFLDSVNA5 #theclothespin #phillymonuments

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Settled mainly by 17th C. Quakers, Burlington County’s location between the Delaware & the Atlantic made it a site for commercial & agricultural development, & spiritual refuge. https://t.co/GU7zJNPLwF

#burlingtoncounty #burlington #philadelphiaencyclopedia #GreaterPhiladelphia

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Created in 1988 by the Constitution Heritage Act, the National Constitution Center played a role in debates about the future of Independence National Historical Park. 
#nationalconstitutioncenter #independencemall #philadelphiahistory
Read more: https://t.co/IIoiJ7BVIE

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

New content alert: Philly’s tradition of fine silver craftsmanship began in the late 1600s and was renowned by the 1700s. https://t.co/KqCzHIIjTc #Philadelphia #PhiladelphiaHistory #silversmiths #philadelphiasilversmiths

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Continuing our journey through #SouthPhilly, The Philadelphia Navy Yard, remembered as the outfitter of the first American fleet. Image: 1864 Drawing, @librarycompany Read more: https://t.co/DuyTE4y71a #PhiladelphiaEncyclopedia #PhiladelphiaHistory #SouthPhiladelphia #NavyYard

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Did you know that our new encyclopedia website has a “Maps” feature that lets you explore Philly, one neighborhood at a time? Join us as we explore South Philly! https://t.co/0aivdlI5lG #SouthPhiladelphia #southphilly #philadelphia #philadelphiahistory #philadelphiaencyclopedia

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

It looks like we will need to write an update for the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia! “Abbott Elementary” a sitcom series set in Philly, took home 3 Emmy Awards this year. https://t.co/0O32yp71pv @quintabrunson @AbbottElemABC #AbbottElementary #Philadelphia #Philly

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Sarah Josepha Hale was longtime editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the first successful women’s magazine in the US. Photo: @librarycompany (Library y of Philadelphia) #fashionweek2022 #philadelphiahistory #philadelphiainfashion #FashionWeek
https://t.co/RXjHZMj38a

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Queen Elizabeth II visited Philly on July 6, 1976 with Prince Philip, presented a Bicentennial Bell made in the same foundry as the original Liberty Bell. https://t.co/koeJwRWZAh
Photo: @MyPhilaInquirer #QueenElizabethII #queenelizabethdeath #queenelizabethphiladelphia

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

As Fashion Week kicks off in NYC, let’s highlight Philadelphia’s contributions to American fashion. #hatmaking #philadelphiahistory #fashionweek2022 #fashioninphiladelphis #millinery
https://t.co/SC69TU0xP4

[Rutgers University Libraries @RULibraries]

Happy first day of class, #Rutgers!

We wish you all the best this academic year and encourage you to explore our libraries’ resources and services. This week, we also have free snacks, swag, and more, so check out our #RULWelcomeWeek schedule at https://t.co/kuLtT7luMz!

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

We are geeking out over these trolley restoration photos! https://t.co/gLvn7ZLdbh #phillystreetcars #philadelphiahistory #phillytrolleys

[MARCH @MARCHRUCamden]

If you haven’t already, check out our special section on our website for events, public talks, and projects related to #Rev250!
https://t.co/7zVcrRuohh

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

A year after the US ended the war in Afghanistan, we remember contributions of the defense industry & military bases in the Greater Philly area. Here President Obama thanks @jointbasemdl service members in 2014. Read more: https://t.co/56ZyzoiP4Z #Afghanistan #philadelphiahistory

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Happy Bastille Day, Philadelphia! 🇫🇷 Did you know Philly has a long-standing connection with France? French communities contributed to the city’s early sociopolitical development.

https://t.co/y1joUjvxPJ

#bastilleday #BastilleDay2022 #francophiladelphia #philadelphiahistory

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Independence Hall hosted the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the debate and approval of the Declaration of Independence. [1788 engraving @librarycongress] #fourthofjuly #fourthofjuly2022 #independenceday #independenceday2022 #independencehall #phillyhistory

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Happy 4th of July! While you’re enjoying the parade, concerts, or a backyard bbq, what’s Independence Day without Philly? https://t.co/roK5n2tGEp #FourthofJuly2022 #philadelphiahistory #firstcapitol #IndependenceDay

[Philadelphia Public Health @PHLPublicHealth]

BREAKING: Today, June 25, 2022, has been declared a CODE ORANGE Ozone Action Day in Philadelphia. During Air Quality Action Days, protect your health by limiting strenuous outdoor activities.

Learn more about air quality: https://t.co/AEkKDjqIjC

[Backgrounders @Backgrounders]

Philadelphia named host city for 2026 FIFA World Cup. #Philadelphia #Philly https://t.co/mGBuEVyYIC