We cannot get enough of the hidden stories underlying Philly’s rich history.  Penn’s Village, teaming up with Temple University Press and Friends in the City, has arranged for Tom Keels to share the mostly embarrassing story behind the Sesqui-Centennial

International Exposition envisioned in 1916 by John Wanamaker to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Keels places this disappointing—to say the least—celebration in the context of transformations taking place in America during the 1920s. These include the changes to women’s and African-Americans’ rights, anti-Semitism, eugenics, Prohibition, and technological advances. The “Sesqui” was meant to be the greatest world’s fair of all time—but it ended up as the “Flop Heard ‘Round the World”

We will meet in the Philadelphia Institute Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library located at 1905 Locust Street. Please email info@pennsvillage.org or call 215 925 7333 to register.