Building Philadelphia Spring Speaker Series
In these lectures, renowned local architects, professors, and historians explore the political, economic, and design trends that drove Philadelphia’s development. Topics include hidden stories in historic districts, studies of Modernism in the area, an analysis of the Seventh Ward, a history of Philadelphia’s waterways, and much more.
Series Passes are available!
- $100 for Preservation Alliance members
- $125 for non-members, includes a one-year individual membership.
All lectures will be recorded and a replay will be available to registered participants.

Thank you to our series sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University’s Center for the Preservation of Modernism and MS in Historic Preservation.

Enjoy these lectures from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. For assistance please email Vinni Cheng

Tuesday, February 23rd, 6PM to 7:30PM
Modernism in Lower Merion: Documenting and Preserving a New Generation of Main Line Landmarks– Greg Prichard, Historic Preservation Planner for Lower Merion Township

Tuesday, March 2nd, 6PM to 7:30PM
Documenting Displacement with GIS: Philadelphia’s Seventh Ward and Beyond – Amy Hillier, Associate Professor at the School of Social Policy & Practice

Tuesday, March 9th, 6PM to 7:30PM
Julian Abele and Louis Magaziner: The Story of an Unusual Friendship – Amy Cohen, Director of Education at History Making Productions

Tuesday, March 16th, 6PM to 7:30PM
History of Philadelphia’s Waterways and Sewers – Adam Levine, Historical Consultant for the Philadelphia Water Department

Tuesday, March 23rd, 6PM to 7:30PM
Signage, Spaces and Surfaces: Can Vintage Philadelphia be Saved? – Kenneth Finkel, Professor of History at Temple University

Tuesday, March 30th, 6PM to 7:30PM
Mid-century Modern Houses of School House Lane in their Context – Dr. David Breiner, Associate Dean of the College of Architecture and the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University’s East Falls campus

Tuesday, April 6th, 6PM to 7:30PM
Dox Thrash House: Block Level Community Investment – Dox Thrash House Project and Beech Community Services

Tuesday, April 13th, 6PM to 7:30PM
In Collaboration: Art, Craft, and Modern Design of Noémi Pernessin & Antonin Raymond – John DeFazio AIA, Executive Director of the Raymond Farm Center for Living Arts and Design

Tuesday, April 20th, 6PM to 7:30PM
Hidden Histories of Historic Districts – Charlene Mires, Professor of History and Director of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities (MARCH) at Rutgers-Camden
(Click Here to purchase Single Lecture Tickets)
Pre-requisite for the two additional workshops hosted by MARCH Continuing Education Program in Historic Preservation. MARCH CEU credit available upon the completion of all three sessions. More Information Here! *The additional workshops are now full and a waitlist is available*
