Upcoming Events
Master Builders’ Dialogues 2025
"Towards a More Perfect Union": Accessibility and Preservation
Thursday, October 23, 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
As we approach the Semiquincentennial of American independence in 2026, museums and historic sites are increasingly exploring more inclusive stories about our journey towards a "more perfect union." It follows that these places also need to become more physically and programmatically accessible to all visitors. This engaging half-day symposium wil show you how accessibility has evolved beyond ADA regulations into human-centered, universal design that can be compatible with historic-preservation and interpretive standards.
This event is co-hosted in partnership with Art-Reach, APT-DVC and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Schedule of Events:
11:30: Registration Open
12:00: Lunch and Opening Keynote
1:10: Break
1:20: Case Study Presentations:
Session 1: Planning Phase: Voith & Mactavish Architects presenting on the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex
Session 2a: Deisgn and Construction Phase (Building): Heckendorn Shiles & Ministry of Awe/ Meg Saligman Studios presenting on the Ministry of Awe
Session 2b: Design and Construction Phase (Landscape): OLIN presenting on the Denver Civic Center Park & Gang of 19 Tribute Commons
Session 3: Building Use and Programming Phase: Eastern State Penitentiary & Mark Loughney presenting on Portraits of Reform: Reclaiming HIstoric Space for Justice Programming
3:00: Q&A / Panel Discussion
3:30: Break
3:50: The First Bank of the United States
4:45: Cocktail Reception at Carpenters' Hall
Anniversary Architecture
Wednesday, October 29th from 5:30-7:00pm at Carpenters’ Hall
As we prepare for the semiquincentennial of the founding of the country in 2026, join author and historian Tom Keels and architect James Timberlake from KieranTimberlake from 5:30 to 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 for an exploration of the history of architecture and the country's previous big anniversary celebrations, such as the bicentennial in 1976. In an interactive discussion facilitated by James Timberlake, attendees will formulate their visions for the commemoration of the founding through architecture and the built environment during the nation's tricentennial in 2076.
This event is presented in partnership with Philadelphia250.
Tom Keels is the author or co-author of seven published books on Philadelphia history, including Sesqui! Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World's Fair of 1926 and Forgotten Philadelphia: Lost Architecture of the Quaker City. Tom is a lecturer, writer, and commentator specializing in Philadelphia history and architecture. He has spoken to many of Philadelphia's leading cultural and historical organizations, including the American Institute of Architects (Philadelphia chapter) and the American Revolution Roundtable. For many years, Tom was a Contributing Writer for the Rittenhouse Sq. Revue, writing monthly articles on Philadelphia landmarks and lore. His articles have also appeared in publications such as the Chestnut Hill Local, Main Line Times, and Philadelphia Style Magazine.
Holiday Tea at Carpenters’ Hall
Sundays from November 30th to December 21st, 2025
Enjoy the holiday season with afternoon tea and Dolley Madison!—with a delicious array of sweet and savory treats*—in the historic, elegant interior of Carpenters’ Hall, the architectural jewel box in Old City that in 1774 hosted George Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry and the other delegates of the First Continental Congress as they formed a new shared American identity and laid the foundation for independence. Join Dolley Todd Madison, wife of President James Madison and the new nation’s most gracious hostess, who will describe the important role tea played in the colonial economy and, indeed, in the American Revolution itself (the Boston Tea Party is only part of the story!). Carpenters’ Hall’s rarely seen historic six-piece silver tea service will also be on display.
Purchase tickets for different dates by clicking the buttons below!
*vegetarian and gluten-free options available
This event is graciously sponsored by Pinemar, Inc. and presented in partnership with Carpenters’ Hall and Historic Philadelphia Inc. This event features American Heritage Chocolate.
Have an allergy or food restriction like Gluten-free? Please let us know by emailing us at emilywinters@carpentershall.org or giving us a call at 215-925-0167.
PAST EVENTS
300th Anniversary Gala & Awards Ceremony
On Saturday, October 26th, 2024, the Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia hosted its 300th Anniversary Gala & Awards Ceremony at the Bellevue Hotel.
That evening, the Master Builders' Award was awarded to the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA). Stemming from the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia, GBCA was established in 1891 for the advancement of commercial construction in the Philadelphia region. As one of the nation's oldest trade associations they serve as as industry watchdog and resource.
During the ceremony, the 2024 McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History was presented to CBS Correspondent, Mo Rocca. Mr. Rocca has greatly contributed to the public's understanding and enjoyment of history through multiple mediums including, television, radio and multiple books. The recipient of our local teacher's McCullough Prize was Ms. Elizabeth Taylor, a local Philadelphia teacher at J.R. Masterman Laboratory & Demonstration School.
Public Reading of the First Prayer in Congress
On September 7, 1774, Rev. Jacob Duché delivered a rousing invocation/prayer at Carpenters' Hall before the Founding Fathers at the First Continental Congress. Exactly 250 years later, Carpenters' Hall marked this moment – which set a precedent for prayer in Congress that continues to this day – with a free public reading of the invocation by Reverend Palmer Hartl of Christ Church.
Watch the video below for a full recording of the reading.
building independence
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress, in September and October of 2024, the Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia, partnered with Historic Philadelphia Inc. on Building Independence. Actors in Carpenters' Hall performed vignettes featuring First Continental Congress delegates, their spouses, and even common folk of the time. Rather than a recreation or recitation of the Congress itself, the short scenes escorted visitors through the hard decisions that faced the delegates, educate them on the perspectives of the time, and place the First Continental Congress – and Carpenters’ Hall – into the wider timeline of American independence. This series was free and open to the public.
The below images are curtesy of Industry & Commerce Image Works.
Interested in viewing footage from our previous programming or events? Visit us on Vimeo at Carpenters' Hall.
Contact emilywinters@carpentershall.com with any questions.
Check back often for new programs and events!
