The University City Historical Society
"The Past is Alive in University City"

Our Mission:

• to study, protect, publicize and celebrate the heritage of West Philadelphia, which abounds in sites, buildings, gardens, monuments, furnishings, objects and collections of historic, cultural, scientific, architectural, artistic and literary significance;
• to undertake and encourage historical research, preservation, education, exhibition, and publication;
• to provide a useful and enjoyable forum for all who are interested in the past of West Philadelphia;
• to research, record, preserve and share information about the lives of people who have lived and worked in West Philadelphia;
• to support the activities of the members of the University City community in their efforts to preserve and promote the architectural heritage of West Philadelphia.

Activities:

• establishing a special collection of books, documents, and graphics related to the history of West Philadelphia;
• sponsoring regular historical house and walking tours, each spotlighting a portion of the architectural wealth of University City, which abounds in classic examples of 19th and 20th century residential architecture;
• creating historic districts to protect the historic neighborhoods of University City;
• encouraging historic preservation and architectural restoration through annual Outstanding Preservation Awards, "Restoration-in-Progress" house tours and information about available restoration resources;
• marking buildings in University City whose construction dates have been established;
• displaying architectural artifacts salvaged from structures no longer standing in University City;
• informing the public about special topics in the history of University City:
  • West Philadelphia's role in the Civil War
  • our rich botanical heritage, past and present
  • the streetcars of West Philadelphia
  • The Woodlands, a National Historic Landmark and National Recreation Trail;
  • providing members opportunities to discuss and celebrate holidays, local history and preservation endeavors through educational programs and special events.

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