#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Do not walk on the water at the Philadelphia Navy Yard
(Photo by @therowhousecity)
‘I don’t need my history erased’: Hundreds rally for return of President’s House slavery exhibit
Hundreds of people attended a rally Tuesday afternoon at the President’s House site on Independence Mall to demand the return of the slavery exhibit that was abruptly removed by members of the National Park Service last month.
Rally attendee and Philly native Sherese Abrams said that she was still learning about the history of the site, which made the removal feel more egregious. “I don’t need my history erased in my hometown before I even learn the full truth about it …. Why take that away from our children?” she said.
Billy Penn’s Nick Kariuki was there. Continue reading …
Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse: Events, shopping, symbols and more about Lunar New Year
The Year of the Fire Horse begins Tuesday, Feb. 17, and continues for two weeks (and longer, beginning with pre-new year preparations the week before!), bringing firecrackers, lion dances, fresh oranges, bánh tét sticky rice cakes, red envelopes and more to neighborhoods the world. Here’s what’s happening in Philly. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• “Brutal” and “cruel” ICE raid in Lower Providence sparks outrage from Montco residents and elected officials. [WHYY]
• Sen. Fetterman is leading a bipartisan push urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to delay a planned ban on library passport services. [MyChesco]
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s CFO, chief of staff resign amid months of staffing turmoil. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia suburbs seek to assist lawsuit over slavery exhibit removal.
• Philadelphia families at small schools like Parkway Northwest fight school closure plan. [Chalkbeat]
• Bird Safe Philly has been working to lessen bird collisions for five years. Its budget just increased tenfold. [WHYY]
• The statue of Joe Frazier that’s been at the stadium complex could move to the art museum. A decision on that will land today. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will deliver the Keynote Address at the annual Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Luncheon, at the Convention Center. (1 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Gov. Shapiro’s proposed 2026-2027 budget grows investments in community violence prevention programs. [CeaseFirePA]
- Philadelphians spoke with the Pennsylvania Commission on gun violence prevention. [Impacto]
- Carjackings fell by 62.7% in Philadelphia from 2022-2025, slightly ahead of the 57.3% national decrease. [Jeff-alytics]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 7: Shooting victims recorded from Feb. 1 to 7, with 2 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 5 shooting victims were recorded, including 1 fatality. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 12: Year-to-date homicides, down 45% vs. last year’s pace; down 81% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
💜 Galentine’s and non-Valentine’s events
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Or Not to Be: Curator-Led Tour
The Free Library’s exhibition, “Or Not to Be: Representations of Death” in Special Collections, is inspired by Shakespeare’s famed “To be, or not to be” soliloquy in Hamlet, and looks at death from a wide variety of cultural perspectives. The exhibit provides a lens focused on the various ways death has inspired the living. Meet at 10 a.m. in the Dietrich Gallery in the Rare Book Department on the 3rd Floor of Parkway Central Library for this free tour led by the exhibition’s curator. (10 a.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 11: How to Run for Committee Person in Philadelphia
Join the Committee of Seventy for a practical breakdown of the city’s ward system – the behind-the-scenes structure that shapes elections, endorsements, and turnout – and learn how becoming a committee person is one of the simplest ways to get involved locally. At the Philadelphia Ethical Society. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Philadelphia Romance Book Swap
Head to Yowie Hotel to hang out with fellow romance heads and swap your recent reads for new-to-you ones. Free with registration. (6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Dark Side of Fairy-Tale Romance
Examine nightmarish elements of the tales we’ve repackaged as the stuff of lovers’ dreams, from romcoms to reality TV shows to wedding venues to Valentine’s Day, which idealize the idea of a “fairy-tale romance,” while the fairy tales underlying all the hype actually can be profoundly unsettling and full of reasons to run like hell. $14.77 in advance, $17 at the door. (6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 12: ‘Tis Well… The Life and Death of George Washington
Come discover the highs and lows of George Washington’s personal life at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church. $10 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: Great Backyard Bird Count
A global event that connects people through bird watching. Participants will practice bird identification, learn about local bird species, and submit their sightings to support global conservation research. At Glen Foerd. Free with registration. BYO binoculars. (4 to 5:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb 13: Lunar New Year Celebration
How do people celebrate Lunar New Year, and what traditions make this holiday special? Learn about Lunar New Year customs and share good wishes with friends and the community. At FACTS Charter School, 1023 Callowhill Street. (4 to 6 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: Glue Sticks and Feelings: an Anti Valentine’s Day Grief Crafting Circle
Valentine’s Day. Grief. Both can be messy and heavy and complicated. Also funny and strange. Hang out with other grievers, crafters, grieving crafters, and crafting grievers. Share or not, make a collage, a mini zine, a Valentine to what or whomever you’re grieving – or BYO craft, so long as there is no glitter / oil paints / physical mess that would impact the space. All griefs welcome. At Wooden Shoe Books. $0-25 suggested donation. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: 2nd Hand Circus Scrap Night
“Fall back in love — with the things that have been left behind.” Scrap Night is a curated evening of short circus works made from thrifted, passed-down, recycled, or once-forgotten objects. Eight circus artists each receive (or bring) a secondhand item and transform it into a brand-new act. At Thunderbird Hall. $35 to $75 tickets include drinks. (8 to 10:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Underground Railroad FreeWalk: Philadelphia Firstival
A walking history tour of Underground Railroad and related sites in the city, with special events at the African American Museum. Start and end at LOVE Park on a 7 mile walk. Free with RSVP. (9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: A Meal to Remember: Live Mystery Theater Experience!
A seated, immersive historical mystery where time is on the brink of collapse. Work together with other audience members to identify historical figures who have forgotten who they are through monologues, interactions, and relics. Do it before the museum doors open or else their histories will vanish. $60 ticket includes a Scandinavian-inspired brunch or dinner buffet. (10:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. show times)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Heated Rivalry in the Library: The Show, The Books, and the Fandom
An afternoon celebrating Heated Rivalry – the show, the books, and the fandom that loves it all. Featuring a panel of romance authors including Xio Axelrod, Rosie Danan, and Joanna Shupe, and moderated by superfan Shaye Lefkowitz. At Parkway Central. Free with RSVP. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: PSCA Adult Prom
Reimagine the classic rite of passage through the playful, inclusive, and daring lens of contemporary circus. Attend with a partner, a group of friends, or solo, and to dress to impress or express—whether that means up-cycled, retro prom attire or sleek modern elegance. Feat. a live DJ, ambient circus performances, open dance floor, DIY corsage/boutonnieres, cash bar, and aerial champagne pour. $36.70 tickets. (7:30 to 10 p.m.)
