From Reading Terminal Market:
In partnership with Global Philadelphia Association, we are happy to take part in the global celebration of International Day for Monuments and Sites.
This year we are expanding the tour to include: Athenaeum of Philadelphia and Hill-Physick House.
Stop #1: Reading Terminal Market at 9:00 am
Meeting point: 12th & Filbert Streets, under the large Reading Terminal Market Neon Sign.
This tour will cover some history of the Market, and bridge the gap of the pandemic years into the current Marketscape.
Stop #2: Athenaeum of Philadelphia at 10:00 am
Meeting point: Main Entrance, 219 S. 6th Street.
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, an historic, member-supported library, was founded in 1814, decades before the advent of free public libraries. Its purpose, then as now, is to provide access to “general knowledge” through books, archival material and special collections for research and exhibits, public forums and lectures, as well as a congenial space for conversation and learning. Since the 1980s, the Athenaeum has also been celebrated for its world-renowned architectural archives which provide opportunities to examine the rich history of our city and world.
After outgrowing several homes, including inside the American Philosophical Society, the Athenaeum moved into its own building on Washington Square in 1847. Designed by the innovative architect John Notman (1810-1865), it is recognized as the seminal American structure in the Italianate Revival Style and one of the first Philadelphia buildings built of brownstone. The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Today, the Athenaeum continues to foster research, learning and conversation, focusing its strengths and resources on the needs and interests of a community that is increasingly diverse and ever more vibrant.
Stop #3: Hill-Physick House at 11:00 am
Meeting point: Main Entrance, 321 S 4th Street.
Built in 1786, this square, four-story brick house is the only free-standing Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill. With its huge doorway fan light (the largest in any Pennsylvania residence in 1786) plus grand proportions and straight, classical lines, Physick House is an exceptional example of the Federal style. It is decorated with outstanding examples of French-influenced Neoclassic furnishings, popular during Dr. Physick's time in the house. The unusually large city garden also contains plants popular in the 19th century.
The house remained in the family, passing through various relations of Dr. Physick. Philip Syng Physick Randolph I sold the property to Elise Wister Keith in 1895. Elise and her husband Charles Penrose Keith lived in the house until their deaths (in 1938 & 1940). The house is also referred to as the Hill/Physick/Keith House.
Limited to 12 tickets total. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Tickets are available to purchase here: