Benjamin Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731.
Today, you can visit his library and its amazing collections, which begs the question: How has the Library Company managed to stay open, and remain relevant, for over 283 years?
The 3-part “Ben Franklin’s World” launch special concludes with a conversation with Richard S. Newman, Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia.
Rich discusses how the Library Company strives to remain relevant in our twenty-first-century digital age and its mission to increase our understanding of American history before 1900.
About the Show
Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.
It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.
Each episode features a conversation with an historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.
Episode Summary
This episode features a conversation with Richard S. Newman, Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia and author of Freedom's Prophet: Bishop Richard Allen, the AME Church, and the Black Founding Fathers.
Rich discusses past and present efforts of the Library Company to serve the public at large. He reveals how the Library Company has adapted to the needs of the public over time and his ideas for how the Library Company can continue to remain relevant in our twenty-first digital age.
What You’ll Discover
The types of projects Rich engages in as Director at the Library Company- How the Library Company has managed to stay open for over 283 years
- Who uses the Library Company
- Why the Library Company calls itself the “oldest cultural institution in the United States”
- How the Library Company has adapted to serve the needs of each generation since 1731
- A little-known and surprising fact about the Library Company
Links to People, Places, and Publications
- Richard S. Newman
- Library Company of Philadelphia Exhibitions
- Library Company Blog
- Twitter: @librarycompany
- Flickr
Time Warp Question
- Although we do not know what the future will be like, what do you hope the Library Company of Philadelphia is doing 200 years from now?
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
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