Beyond Ben, Penn: enlivening city history

James Forten – anti-slavery activist and Philadelphia businessman

20090901_inq_calder01-aPhiladelphia’s past was populated by many fascinating characters, but most of us are stumped after the first two.

Philadelphia Inquirer – September 1st,  2009

I sometimes begin the first history class of the new school year by asking my students to name a few famous Philadelphians from the 18th and 19th centuries. The question doesn’t seem too hard, and they happily give it a go.

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