What to do and see in City Center East, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Libraries

January 1, 2022 Leida Jutras

One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Restaurants in Philadelphia

1. Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania

1300 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5661 +1 215-732-6200 [email protected]
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The guiding words as well as principles of the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies are simple: diversity and tolerance. Exhibits focus on persons and accomplishments spanning many cultures.

2. Athenaeum of Philadelphia

219 S 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3719 +1 215-925-2688 [email protected] http://www.philaathenaeum.org/
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Athenaeum of Philadelphia

A non-profit library and historic site furnished with fine and decorative arts from the first half of the 19th century. Free exhibitions.

3. Science History Institute

315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2702 +1 215-925-2222 [email protected] https://www.sciencehistory.org/
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4.5 based on 81 reviews

Science History Institute

The Science History Institute collects and shares the stories of innovators and of discoveries that shape our lives. We preserve and interpret the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences. Headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices in California and Europe, the Institute houses an archive and a library for historians and researchers, a fellowship program for visiting scholars from around the globe, a community of researchers who examine historical and contemporary issues, an acclaimed museum that is free and open to the public, and a state-of-the-art conference center.

Reviewed By larryderm - Philadelphia, United States

An excellent museum that tells in a succinct and beautiful fashion the development of science and chemistry so that the non-scientist will understand the progress that has been made through chemistry.

4. Library Company of Philadelphia

1314 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5679 +1 215-546-3181 [email protected] http://www.librarycompany.org/
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

Library Company of Philadelphia

The Library Company of Philadelphia is an independent research library specializing in American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Open to the public free of charge, the Library Company houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, the Library Company is America's oldest cultural institution and served as the Library of Congress from the Revolutionary War to 1800. The Library Company was the largest public library in America until the Civil War. The mission of the Library Company is to preserve, interpret, make available, and augment the valuable materials in our care. We serve a diverse constituency throughout Philadelphia and internationally, offering comprehensive reader services, an internationally renowned fellowship program, online catalogs, and regular exhibitions and public programs.

Reviewed By CyndyandByron - Bridgeton, United States

We attended the opening of the Ghost River exhibit. The Library Company invited Native American guests who were consultants for the book. Mingling with the members allowed for a greater understanding of the good, the bad, and the ugly of colonization depicted in the book. We also got to see several old books and documents, The card catalog actually till exits for researchers who are big users of this location. The Elliott Bible, the first Bible transcribed in a Native American language, was available for viewing. A light appetizer and beverage spread was provided for the guests in the well maintained meeting rooms.

5. Civil War Library and Museum

The First Bank of the United States 3rd & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215-405-8719 http://civilwarmuseumphila.org/
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4.0 based on 3 reviews

Temporarily Closed to Public; Museum is moving to new location.

6. Library Hall

105 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3310 +1 215-440-3400
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

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