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Historical Society of Frankford to Host Community Arts Project

Historical Society of Frankford Hosts the Tacony Lab Community Arts Center
Northeast 250 Threads of History arts event

The Historical Society of Frankford (HSF) is pleased to host Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Tacony
LAB Community Art Center Northeast 250: Threads of History community arts project on Tuesday,
March 31 at 6:00 PM at the Society’s library/museum at 1507 Orthodox St, Philadelphia.

This project, part of the City’s US Semiquincentennial celebrations, will shine spotlights at several
venues on the history of Northeast Philadelphia and the many small organizations that keep that
history alive. Using the US flag as the organizing principle and creative inspiration, hands-on
artmaking activities at each event will engage communities with the idea of individual expression in
flags. Participants will have an opportunity to create an artwork to keep.

The Frankford event will also feature an exhibit of artifacts and documents from the HSF collection
related to Betsy Ross, the woman often portrayed as the creator of the flag, and her relatives in
Northeast Philly who preserved and promoted her life story, as well as a short presentation.

This event is free and open to the public. Off street parking will be available across Orthodox Street
at the Frankford Friends School. Light refreshments will be available.

About the Historical Society of Frankford: Founded in 1905, the Historical Society of Frankford preserves and interprets the history of
Northeast Philadelphia through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

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Spring is Singing

Spring is singing

Crescent Moon shining in the sky, winter saying it’s last goodbyes.
Shadows dancing on Frozen ponds, spring is singing I’m coming home.
Rain starts falling from the sky, winter is saying its last goodbyes.
Spring is singing I’m coming home. Flowers are pushing from beneath the snow.
Spring is still singing, I’m coming home. Rain is falling from up above to wash away the fallen snow.
But yet, spring is still singing I’m coming home. Look for me it won’t be long – spring is singing, I’m coming home, look for me it won’t be long.

By Lenny Jaynes

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Through The Day

THROUGH THE DAY

Have you ever had a day that was full of disappointments,
Have you ever had a day that just didn’t go your way.
This is when you should reach out for understanding.
And throw your hands up for mercy and guidance that will get you through the day.
Because every day is a journey, and some may get lost along the way.
So, raise your hands up to the heavens and say – God help me make it through the day.
I may be lost without your wisdom, but can you show me the way to a brighter day.
I know I shouldn’t be thinking about tomorrow, because I have so much to do today.
If I can just lean to your understanding, I know I can make it – through the day

By Lenny Jaynes

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Kim Washington Frankford CDC to Speak at the Frankford Historical Society

The Historical Society of Frankford is pleased to have Kimberly Washington, Esq., Executive Director of the Frankford Community Development Corporation (FCDC), as the speaker at the Society’s March 2026 meeting. The lecture will occur on Tuesday, March 10th, at the Society’s library/museum located at 1507 Orthodox St, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public. Off-street parking will be available across Orthodox Street at the Frankford Friends School. Light refreshments will be served.

In her talk Ms. Washington will visit the past, present and future of the FCDC, a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1993 with the purpose of improving living and business conditions in this historic neighborhood.

In the 26 years since, FCDC has worked to: support businesses along Frankford Avenue and elsewhere in the community; served as the official Neighborhood Advisory Committee linking the city Community Development Department to resident housing programs and commenting on zoning issues; assisting with workforce development and employment support; and promoting neighborhood planning and redevelopment.

With multiple programs well underway, FCDC has been the critical agency working to revive a community hard hit in recent decades by de-industrialization. Ms. Washington is well versed in the issues facing the Frankford neighborhood, having worked on them in several roles for the past 13 years. She will share her vision of a Frankford finally participating in the neighborhood revivals occurring throughout Philadelphia.

About the Historical Society of Frankford Founded in 1905, the Historical Society of Frankford preserves and interprets the history of Northeast Philadelphia through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

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GAR Program March 1st

From our friends at the GAR Museum 

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.) 

CIVIL WARMUSEUM & ARCHIVE

Presents a Free Zoom Program

 Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

“The Life and Struggles of Mary Edwards Walker:

Doctor, Feminist, Medal of Honor Recipient’

by Walt Lafty

Many people know that Mary E. Walker served as a doctor during the Civil War. Some are also aware she was the recipient of the Medal of Honor. This presentation will focus on her early family life, and her struggle to attain recognition as a doctor, prior to the war, as well as during and after the war. It will also cover her lifelong commitment to fighting for the right to vote for women and many other issues regarding feminism. She has been described as unconventional and eccentric, but she was also graceful, understanding, compassionate, and committed. Mary was above all else, a patriot who was loyal to the flag of the United States. Her sacrifices throughout her life to remain true to herself were difficult but inspiring.

Walt Lafty is a historian with a focus on the American Civil War (1861-1865), but also World War 2, as well as the history of Ireland. He has been active in various Civil War groups for many years. Those include the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Museum where he serves as the research administrator and volunteer. He is also active in the Delaware Valley CWRT where he is a board member as well as a member of the preservation committee. Walt is also an active member of Baker-Fisher Camp 101 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Hatboro and currently serves as the camp secretary. In addition, he is a member of the Old Baldy CWRT and the General Meade

To reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation, reply by e-mail to garmuslib1866@gmail.com

You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation. 

Deadline for signing-up is Noon, Saturday,

February 28, 2026

As a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today.  We very much appreciate your continued support for the GAR Civil War Museum & Archive.  Become a Member. Application attached.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHIVE
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg – N.E. Philadelphia), 19136
 www.garmuslib.org