Save the date: September 19, 2026
Frankford Fall Festival
Category: Meetings and Events
Historian Jeff Denman at the Historical Society of Frankford
The Historical Society of Frankford (HSF) will host historian Jeff Denman speaking at its September 8, 2026 monthly meeting and
lecture. Denman will discuss his new book Philadelphia Quakers and the American Revolution, Charlestown, SC: The History Press, 2026.
Fleeing political upheavals in England for settlement in the New World, Quakers rose to unprecedented economic and political power in the Pennsylvania colony. However, the failure of the Quaker-dominated government to provide for defense in the wars from the 1730s into the 1760s
was the beginning of their downfall. By the Revolution, their fortunes had waned, and they were brutally suppressed by their political foes. Seventeen Quakers and three others were exiled to Virginia without so much as a hearing, and Quaker farms and businesses were subject to
depredations. Labeled dissenters by Loyalist and Patriot alike, they stood their ground, alone and isolated. The book vividly describes the precipitous rise of the Philadelphia Quakers and their fall during the American Revolution. Copies will be available for purchase and signing.
Denman is a retired American history and geography teacher from the Brookline Public Schools in Brookline, Massachusetts. He has written widely on topics in American history. Denman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maine and a Master of Arts degree from the
University of Connecticut.
The meeting and lecture will be held at the HSF library/museum at 1507 Orthodox St, Philadelphia. It will also be livestreamed on the HSF Facebook page. The event is free and open to the public, and free off-street parking is available across Orthodox Street at the Frankford Friends School. Doors open at 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served before and after the lecture.
About the Historical Society of Frankford Founded in 1905, the Historical Society of Frankford preserves and interprets the history of
Frankford and vicinity through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
3rd Annual Classroom Kick-Off
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada presents:
3rd Annual Classroom Kick-Off
Saturday, August 15
10 AM – 1 PM
4821 Frankford Ave
For more information, contact Elizabeth Rosario
215-686-3448
elizabeth.rosario@phila.gov
Celebration of Life of Susan Couvrier
A Celebration of the life of Susan Couvrier was held on May 30th at the Historical Society of Frankford.
The Historical Society of Frankford Remembering Susan Couvreur.
Jerry Kolankiewicz & Chuck Cahall, uplifting songs and remembering stories of Susan.
Thanks to John Hewitt for the video.
Historical Society May Meeting
The Historical Society of Frankford is pleased to host “Pastor Paul” A. Andell, the longtime pastor of
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frankford, now celebrating its 100th anniversary, who will
address the HSF May meeting on May 12, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Pastor Paul will speak about the
congregation’s history, its revival under his renewed leadership since 2020, and their plans for
continued service to the community.
Pastor Paul is the authoritative voice for the church, having served as associate and head pastor for
44 of its 100 years. Under his leadership, St. James developed a preschool and many
faith-enhancing ministries including Stephen’s Ministry. St. James became a more inclusive
community church as well and was the largest Lutheran church in Philadelphia, with 5 weekly
services. Having retired from St. James once in 2011, he was called back in 2020 to address a
leadership crisis threatening the congregation’s continued existence. On March 22nd of this year he
led the church in a jubilant centennial service. Now he and his congregation are looking to the
future.
Pastor Paul will also reflect on the church’s early years and pastors serving many thousands of
people, both in Frankford and the northeast, offering hospitality to the community through its
excellent preschool, scouting and youth programs, seniors groups, music and theater, numerous AA
and NA support groups, civic and multi-cultural activities, and many weekly worship opportunities.
This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7:00 PM. Free off street parking will be
available across Orthodox Street at the Frankford Friends School. Light refreshments will be served
before and after the lecture.
About the Historical Society of Frankford:
Founded in 1905, the volunteers of the Historical Society of Frankford preserve and interpret the
history of Northeast Philadelphia through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
