Guided Search: Historical Preservation / Archaeology, North America

Join the Preservation Alliance in celebrating their annual Preservation Achievement Awards.

Stroll a charming labyrinth of streets west of Washington Square, a village-like setting right in the heart of Center City, developed in the mid 19th century. Experience an intimate “hierarchy of streets” where the larger style-conscious houses are on the main streets, the smaller scale houses built for the aspiring middle class are on the middle-sized streets, and what was worker housing is on the smallest alleys.

Take a leisurely stroll through this bucolic “Garden City” neighborhood, a suburban setting within the city limits. Learn how the Pennsylvania Railroad extension to this area, spearheaded by Henry Howard Houston in the 1880s, created this style-conscious development and later, with his son-in-law, George Woodward, continued it into the 1920s.

This grand boulevard, named after Philadelphia’s most famous citizen, is Philadelphia’s early 20th century contribution to the City Beautiful Movement and connects the downtown to Fairmount Park, fulfilling William Penn’s vision of a “greene countrie towne.”

Experience the transformation of Philadelphia from America’s 19th century engine of industry to a 21st century capital of business and culture. This 2-hour tour explores Philadelphia’s diverse range of architectural styles and building technologies from the 1860s to the present, detailing the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the modern cityscape. It is divided into three parts:

The City of Philadelphia operates several programs designed to help homeowners maintain their properties and remain in their homes. Using an array of loan and grant products, these programs quietly contribute to the stability of neighborhoods and the preservation of the historic fabric of our city. Join us as we gather several experts on these programs to explain how they work and the impact they are having.

Speakers: