#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Gear test with Engine 43 Ladder 9 Medic 7
(Photo by @billlent)
The Library of Accessible Media, aka L.A.M.P., shines a light on literature for all readers
Located at N. 15th and Spring Garden streets, LAMP is one of two spaces in the state that offers materials for readers with temporary or permanent disabilities, free of charge, and is a part a nationwide network through the Library of Congress.
In addition to materials in Braille — including LEGO sets! — there are audio players, a cooking program and even a recording studio where Philadelphians can volunteer to record local titles that don’t typically get audiobook versions. Continue reading…
The world’s first women’s medical college opened in Philly 176 years ago
The groundbreaking establishment of the Women’s Medical College in 1850 by a group of progressive Quakers and a businessman, and the many achievements of its graduates, will be celebrated at the latest “Firstival” event, at Drexel, this coming Saturday.
It is a contrast to how women students were treated when attending lectures at Pennsylvania Hospital, with jeers and harassment by male students. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Neshaminy High School is shaken after a student was among those facing terrorism charges over allegedly using improvised explosive devices outside the NYC mayor’s residence. [CBS3/AP]
• Pennsylvania parents and families call for statewide grief support services for overdose and drug-related losses. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia officials say new funding to restore Cobbs Creek Golf Course will help mitigate flooding, but residents worry it will make it worse. [WHYY]
• “Not salvageable”: Inside William Way’s decision to build a new Center City headquarters. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Philly’s Parks and Recreation department will be hiring its first dedicated trail maintenance crew this summer in an effort to reduce the burden on volunteers. [Inq$$]
• A man pleaded guilty in Philly for his role in a NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker is set to join business leaders at PHLCares to celebrate a $500,000 donation to Hope 220, a recently opened housing solution center operated by the Salvation Army on behalf of the City of Philadelphia. (11 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, March 10: Mental Health First Aid Training – Youth
This virtual skills-based course, held in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, will teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adolescents ages 12 to 18. Useful for any adult who works with youth. $60 registration. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 10: Champions of Peace: Celebrating Philadelphia’s Gun Violence Prevention Programs
Hear directly from the organizations working on the front lines. They’ll share personal stories, hard-won successes, and firsthand insight into the strategies that are making Philly neighborhoods safer. At CORA Services in Fox Chase. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 11: Remember the Ladies Trivia Night
“Remember the ladies” and show off your trivia skills! Grab a bite, explore exhibits, and join for special Women’s History Month programming. The night includes free food, games, exhibit tours, and a trivia contest with prizes. Cash bar available. At the National Constitution Center. Free with registration. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 11: Meet & Geek: Medical Illustration
A brief overview of the history of medical illustration, from early Western examples to contemporary works. You get to see medical illustration projects, hear about high-profile medical moments that led to medical breakthroughs, and learn about the limits of AI and image search tools. $20 tickets. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 11: Opera on Tap Philly Presents: The Ides of March
Head to Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen in Old City for songs of betrayal, jealousy, and death at Opera on Tap Philly’s first show of 2026. $15 for one person; $25 for two. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, March 12: Vision Zero PHL 2026
In 2026, Philadelphia marks ten years as a Vision Zero city, grounded in the belief that traffic deaths are preventable and that safe streets are a shared responsibility. This day-long conference at Temple features local and nationally-recognized speakers & panelists. Waitlist available. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Thursday, March 12: National History Day competition: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
Stop by the National Constitution Center for project viewing (10 a.m.) and an Awards Ceremony (1 p.m.) to help celebrate the achievements of our Philadelphia history students.
Thursday, March 12: Iftar and Artist Lecture with Meryem Osmanlioglu
A showcase of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic illumination, creating a unified visual language. At Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. $10-20 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, March 13: Philadelphia: Workshop of the World
Philadelphia was once known as the “workshop of the world” due to the abundance of factories, products, and infrastructure located within the city. This Science History Institute display features works originally published by some of the pioneering companies that made Philadelphia an industrial powerhouse. Free tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: PhilaBowl
This Empty Bowls fundraiser supports The Clay Studio’s scholarship program and The Sunday Love Project offering a meaningful way to come together and share a meal. Your participation helps fuel programs rooted in creativity, care, and community. $35 tickets. (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Through March 20: March for Art Benefit and Art Auction
An online auction of contemporary works of art by more than 200 local artists who work across all media. Also at InLiquid Gallery & The Icebox Project Space at the Crane Arts Building.
