#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Fired up for the Year of the Fire Horse
(Photo by @thetinybun)
President’s House slavery exhibit must be restored, judge rules
A federal judge on Monday ruled the Trump administration must restore the slavery exhibits at the President’s House Site on Independence Mall while the case over the National Park Service’s actions continues.
The city of Philadelphia sued following federal employees’ removal of the display that detailed the lives of nine people George Washington enslaved at the home while he was president. Protests in support of the exhibit and historical accuracy have been ongoing. Continue reading…
Commemorating America’s 1st abolitionist society
As Black History Month continues through February, the Philadelphia Historic District’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” reflected this past Saturday on the city’s role in the struggle for equal rights — with a “Firstival” recognizing the creation of the nation’s first abolitionist society back in 1775. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philadelphia health advocates urge city to fast-track 2 new Northeast health centers for an earlier opening. [WHYY]
• What some Philadelphia students will learn in the new MOVE bombing curriculum, and what’s not included. [WHYY]
• Wrongly installed Philly speed bumps not up to standards, city controller report finds. [WHYY]
• The nation’s oldest chartered hospital will become the city’s newest museum, dubbed the Pennsylvania Hospital Museum. It will open on May 8. [Inq$$]
• The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts has shifted funding guidelines toward economic development. Local culture leaders are “gravely concerned.” [WHYY]
• Philadelphia Suns lead Lunar New Year lion dances across the city to celebrate the Year of the Horse. [WHYY]
• ‘Sam the Popcorn Girl’ will be absent from Phillies games for most of the upcoming season due to spending the summer cruising the high seas. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker is set to announce a new initiative supporting older adults through a technology partnership with USAging and home surveillance company Ring. At Firehouse Active Adult Center, 5331-41 Haverford Avenue. (3 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Lunar New Year events guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic options
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Report on The Economic Impact of Historic Preservation in Philadelphia
Learn how historic preservation contributes to the region’s economy, housing affordability, and community vitality. The Preservation Alliance report details historic rehabilitation investments, job creation, tax revenues, and the role of preservation in shaping vibrant, diverse neighborhoods. At Carpenters’ Hall. $55 tickets/$15 students. (8:30 to 10 a.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Spies of the Revolution at Whitman Library
Step into the shadowy world of Revolutionary spies in this free workshop presented by the Museum of the American Revolution! We’ll crack codes, solve puzzles, and reveal secret messages as we explore the hidden heroes who risked everything as double agents. Children ages 8-12 welcome. (4 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 18: AAI Lunar New Year Karaoke Happy Hour
The Asian Arts Initiative welcomes everyone to celebrate the new year with music, light refreshments and special LNY cocktails. $15 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Love is in the Air: Through the Arts
An immersive wedding experience, reimagined through art at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center. Highlights the latest trends and features passed bites, interactive dinner stations, small plates, and desserts, specialty cocktails & zero-proof libations. $65 tickets. (5:30 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Tofu: A Culinary History
Trace tofu’s remarkable journey from its ancient origins in East Asia to its global rise as a staple of modern plant-based cuisine. See how a humble soybean product became a symbol of tradition, innovation, and identity across continents. This global history of bean curd stretches from ancient creation myths and tomb paintings, via Chinese poetry and Japanese Buddhist cuisine, to deportations in Soviet Russia and struggles for power on the African continent. At the Science History Museum. Free to register. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Circle Jawn Singers
You’re invited to join your Philly neighbors in circle singing at Mishana Yoga in honor of our greatest loves: community building, music, play, improv, and harmony. (7:30 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 19: Chinese New Year – Calligraphy Workshop
This interactive workshop explores one of the oldest and most respected art forms in China. Chinese calligraphy’s history stretches back more than 3,000 years. At the Crane Community Center. $5 registration. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
