Greater Philadelphia Book Launch

[Planning Department]

Hi all!

I've been including this in the announcements section of the monthly DCHPN eblast for a couple of months because there's a special deal for Delco historical groups:

Members of DHPCN may be especially interested in a new three-volume history set being published by the University of Pennsylvania Press this fall: The Greater Philadelphia Region, Greater Philadelphia and the Nation, and Greater Philadelphia and the World. Together, they retell the story of our region with fresh perspectives, vivid illustrations, and contributions from leading historians.

What makes these books stand out is how much of Delaware County’s story is woven into the larger narrative. From the shipyards of Chester to the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, our county’s industrial past comes alive. Local chapters on abolitionist activism, Quaker reform movements in Haverford and Swarthmore, and even Swarthmore College’s international role in peace work remind us how Delaware County has shaped national and global history. You’ll also find stories of immigrant labor along Darby Creek, civil rights organizing, and the everyday lives that connected our towns to the wider Philadelphia region.

As we approach America’s 250th, this set offers not only a big-picture history of Philadelphia, but also a meaningful reflection on the people and places we cherish right here in Delaware County. Penn Press has kindly offered a discount on direct purchases. Use the code GREATERPHILLY20 for a 20% discount at pennpress.org/greater-philadelphia/ This brings the regular price of $125.00 for the 3-volume gift set to $100, and the regular price of $49.95 for each separate volume to $39.96.

Now you have a chance for a Q&A with some of the authors and publishers this Thursday: 

CELEBRATING GREATER PHILADELPHIA: BOOK LAUNCH EVENT HONORS THE REGION’S HISTORY AHEAD OF AMERICA’S 250^TH

 

 

WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

WHERE: Liberty View Ballroom, Independence Visitor Center (599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106)

WHAT: Join Independence Historical Trust and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for a special evening celebrating Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century, a landmark three-volume publication from the University of Pennsylvania Press that redefines the story of the region and its role in shaping the nation. As Philadelphia prepares to lead the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, The Greater Philadelphia Region (Vol. 1); Greater Philadelphia and the Nation (Vol. 2); and Greater Philadelphia and the World (Vol. 3); offer fresh, engaging, richly illustrated, and inclusive retellings of our region’s history from leading scholars and local voices.

Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century unearths hidden stories, celebrates points of pride, and illuminates the complex connections that define the city, its suburbs, and its people. These books are published in association with The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, which is produced at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities (MARCH) at Rutgers University-Camden.

This event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a conversation and audience Q&A with editors Charlene Mires and Howard Gillette, who will discuss the making of this ambitious project, share surprising discoveries about the city and region, and reflect on how Philadelphia continues to influence the world as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Books will be available for purchase and signing immediately following the Q&A. Registration is required.

 

INTERVIEWS:

·         Charlene Mires, co-editor and Professor Emerita of History at Rutgers University-Camden

·         Howard Gillette, co-editor and Professor Emeritus of History at Rutgers University-Camden

·         Jillian Sayre, Director of MARCH and Associate Professor of English at Rutgers University-Camden