On this day in 1911, the world's largest pipe organ debuts at its new home in the Grand Court of Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; originally built for 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, it filled thirteen railroad freight cars.

Wishing a wonderful and relaxing Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, and mentors in our community! Whether you are exploring Philadelphia’s historic streets with family today or enjoying a quiet day off, thank you for the guidance, support, and wisdom you share year-round.

Today we celebrate Pride Month and on this day we specifically we celebrate Edith Windsor, born in Philadelphia, in 1929. She was the lead plaintiff in the 2013 Supreme Court case United States v. 1/2

Today we reflect on the day in 1865 when freedom reached the enslaved people in Galveston. Philadelphia’s streets hold centuries of stories detailing the long, relentless march toward liberty and equality.

What did not happen this day in Philadelphia? 1682 Philadelphia was founded and in 1778 the British finally evacuated Philadelphia and headed to New York; good riddance!

This Saturday June 20 1 to 4PM is time for History Matters again. Come out to support fellow APT members and learn some stories you might not have heard before! They'll share short stories from Black history and the history of other underrepresented groups. For more info: phillyguides.org/eve...

Reminder! Coffee break time at the IVC, meet with fellow APT guides in a more casual setting. Learn more: phillyguides.org/eve...

On this day in 1680, King Charles II officially approved the first draft of the royal charter granting the Province of Pennsylvania to William Penn. Penn envisioned this land as a "Holy Experiment"—a place founded on religious tolerance, individual liberties, and a representative government.

On this day in 1777, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and resolved that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes and 13 stars. Today, we celebrate the symbol—and the city—where it all began. Happy Flag Day from all of us at APT! Photo Credit to @andrea_su

Last chance to register for a docent led tour of Historic Rittenhouse Town. To register click here: phillyguides.org/eve...

On this day in 1787 delegates to the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia agree to the requirement that a senator must be at least 30 years old. Should there be a maximum age limit for politicians?

Last day to register for the APT certification exam being given on June 13th. To register, please contact our president. For more details go to: phillyguides.org/eve...

Reminder, there is an APT meeting tonight June 10th at Philly Gourmet Steaks. APT has invited scholar and historian Ned Donoghue to speak on his book, Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778, which uncovers a Revolutionary War story that is mostly forgotten today.

On this day in 1790 the first book copyrighted under US Constitution, "The Philadelphia Spelling Book" The book arranged upon a plan entirely new, adapted to the capacities of children, and designed as an immediate improvement in spelling and reading the English language.

George Edward Hardy born in Philadelphia on June 8, 1925 was an American pilot and military officer. In WW II, he served with the Tuskegee Airmen and flew 21 combat missions. In the Korean War, he flew 45 combat missions as the pilot of a bomber. In the Vietnam War, Hardy flew 70 combat missions.

Take a tour of Rittenhouse Town with us for only $6.00. To register click here: phillyguides.org/eve...

On this day in 1832, the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Railroad opens its initial line from Philadelphia to Germantown, Pennsylvania; run is 6 miles (9.7 km) long and creates first US 'railroad suburb' Photo Public Domain By William L. Breton, artist; Kennedy & Lucas, publisher.

On this day in 1846 the Magnetic Telegraph Company completed a line between Baltimore and Philadelphia which in turn completed lines that stretched from Washington DC to New York. To learn more visit: www.coopercountyhist...

Need a good book for the beach? Try Grave Dealings, which will be discussed at the next APT Book Club meeting. phillyguides.org/eve...

Join us for a Tour of Historic Rittenhouse Town on Monday June 15th @ 11AM. Only $6.00 for a docent led tour. Register here today: phillyguides.org/eve...

Come join us at the Johnson House this Thursday. Register here for only $5.00 phillyguides.org/eve...

Reminder: Join us tonight at 7PM on zoom for an informative presentation on Anthony Benezet, a 1776 trailblazer presented by the American Vegan Center. He was an innovator and pioneering abolitionist. RSVP here for free: phillyguides.org/eve...

May 26, 1781 - The Bank of North America is incorporated in Philadelphia by an act of Congress to help stabilize the issuance of paper currency. It was capitalized in 1781 with $400,000. This building was located on 305 Chestnut St until it was demolished. Learn more: americasbesthistory....

Welcome to a place where freedom reigns, all thanks to the courageous. Let's take a moment today to honor and appreciate the sacrifices of our service members and their loved ones. Wishing you a safe and heartfelt Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDayWeekend

Windows down, music up—today is National Road Trip Day! 🛣️🎵 There’s something about the freedom of a paper map (or GPS), a packed cooler, and a destination waiting to be discovered. Are you team "drive straight through" or team "stop at every quirky roadside historical marker"?

Join us Wednesday May 27th @ 7PM on zoom for an informative presentation on Anthony Benezet, a 1776 trailblazer presented by the American Vegan Center. He was an innovator and pioneering abolitionist. RSVP here for free: phillyguides.org/eve...

The first fire insurance policy in America was issued on May 22, 1752, by the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire. The policy was issued to Samuel Rhoads, a prominent builder and merchant who later served as the Mayor of Philadelphia.

Today the city of Philadelphia declares this to be Ona Judge Day, honoring the bold escape she made from the President’s House and her enslaver, President George Washington. She escaped May 21, 1796, and lived in New Hampshire for the rest of her life. Read the biography Never Caught to learn more.

Happy Birthday Dolley Madison! She shaped American politics by hosting social functions that promoted bipartisan cooperation and establishing the role of the First Lady as a public figure. During the War of 1812, when she famously saved George Washington's portrait from the burning White House.

Reminder: It is Coffee Break Day today. Join your fellow tour guides in casual and interesting conversations at the back of the IVC, all are welcome! For more details go to phillyguides.org/eve...

Happy International Museum Day! There are over 100 museums in the City of Philadelphia, which one is your favorite. Tell us about a little known must see museum you think every tour guide should visit? Photo by K www.pexels.com/photo...

Last call to join us at McGillin's Ale House. Come hear how Philly's oldest bar survived the Civil War, 2 world wars, 2 pandemics and a fire not to mention Prohibition. Reserve here today: phillyguides.org/eve...

Reminder: History Matters Talks today at INHP. Come out and support your fellow APT guides by learning more or volunteering for a future 3rd Saturday of every month. Find out more: phillyguides.org/eve...

On this day in 1918, Philly was the 'pit stop' for the first-ever U.S. Airmail! While the D.C. pilot got lost and ran out of gas, Philadelphia’s Bustleton Field kept the mail moving onto New York. The limited range of planes required the pitstop in Philly. Photo by Andre: www.pexels.com/photo...

On this day in 1787 was supposed to be the start of the Constitutional Convention, however due to weather only Virginia and Pennsylvania were present at the Pennsylvania State House. It would be another 11 days before all delegates were present. And we complain today about being late for a zoom ;-)

Happy International Hummus Day! While its exact origins are a delicious mystery—with everyone from the Greeks to the Egyptians claiming the "original" recipe—one thing we can all agree on is that it’s the ultimate dip. What is your favorite place for hummus in Philadelphia? Photo: Vini N pexels.com

Reminder: Our monthly APT Meeting is tomorrow at Philly Gourmet Steaks at 7PM. The topic is Colonial Jewish History with Michael Schatz. Read more: phillyguides.org/eve...

Long before we had social media, Philadelphia was the hub of the "Coffee House Culture." and served as the city’s original social media platforms. If our founding fathers were on social media who would you follow?

The very first official observance was held on May 10, 1908, but the momentum was built during a massive event organized by Anna Jarvis at the Wanamaker’s department store in Philadelphia. The store’s auditorium was so packed that thousands of people had to be turned away.

On this day in 1754, the first known political cartoon in an American newspaper was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin’s famous "Join, or Die" woodcut, depicting a snake severed into eight sections was created to urge colonial unity during the French and Indian War.

Happy National Tourism Day! Of course we know Philly is the best place to visit but it is nice when news outlets such as WSJ validate what we have known for years. www.phillyvoice.com/...

Reminder, our May Book Club over zoom is May 20th at 7PM. For more information click here: phillyguides.org/eve...

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo is annually observed on May 5. It celebrates the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in Mexico on May 5, 1862. It is not to be confused with Mexico's Independence Day. What is your go-to Mexican restaurant?

Charles Almanzo Babcock, Oil City, Pennsylvania Superintendent of Schools, established the first Bird Day in 1894. Babcock founded the day, observed annually on May 4th, to advance bird conservation as a moral value.

On this day, the first medical school in North America, the Medical School of the College of Philadelphia, was established in 1765. It later became known as the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

On this day in 1759, the charter was recorded for the first US life insurance company was founded in Philadelphia to support the families of ministers. Today is National Life Insurance Day, a great reminder that it is never too late to plan for the future and ensure your family’s security.

Welcome to May! 🌷 Not only is today May Day, but it’s also a Flower Moon tonight! 🌕 It’s the perfect Friday to step outside, enjoy the spring air, and appreciate the beauty of our city in bloom. Photo by Soly Moses: www.pexels.com/photo...

Happy Bubble Tea Day! What is your favorite spot for a pick me up of Bubble Tea? Photo by RDNE Stock project: www.pexels.com/photo...

Join us May 3rd at 7PM virtually for a presentation with Bob Branch, who is often out and about portraying Bishop Richard Allen. He will share Black history stories from his days working at the Once Upon Nation storytelling benches. For more info visit: phillyguides.org/eve...