Philadelphia Revealed
Across 10 episodes, you’re going to learn Philadelphia history through 10 objects. You’ll get a tour of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University, sometimes called Philadelphia’s Attic. It’s a collection that’s grown over decades, acquiring Philly’s material culture from individuals, families, institutions, sometimes literally from the trash. In every episode of this podcast you’ll learn about an object in the Atwater Kent collection and hear a story inspired by it from a First Person Arts storyteller. We think every Philadelphian will be able to see themselves in this collection and that learning about Philadelphia’s many histories can help us understand its present and future.
All Episodes
Publicly and Spectacularly Crazy
Honora Power, known as “Crazy Nora,” was something of a celebrity in 19th century Philadelphia. An Irish immigrant, debt coll ...
Air Date: September 11, 2024
Listen 26:50
Baby Evie has always been Michaela Prell’s favorite doll. Soft, minimalist, gender neutral, Baby Evie slept in Michaela’s bed ...
Air Date: September 4, 2024
Listen 24:34
As a kid, Martha Cooney was jealous that her brother delivered newspapers. Martha loved the newspaper, especially the sports section. She ...
Air Date: August 28, 2024
Listen 26:15
A photo album found in a trash heap inspired memories of Cecily Alexandria’s grandfather, a WWII veteran, and the home her grandpar ...
Air Date: August 21, 2024
Listen 25:25
A turnstile from Philly’s storied Veterans Stadium in the Atwater Kent collection reminded Nick Kupsey of how his father’s first job ...
Air Date: August 14, 2024
Listen 24:18
Stories about the stuff we collect and what happens to it after we’re gone. Neil Benson was a photographer and salvage artist who belie ...
Air Date: August 7, 2024
Listen 30:54
Ever since she was young, Tanisha Palmer has loved to style hair – for herself, for her dolls, for her friends. And her friends let ...
Air Date: July 31, 2024
Listen 21:20
The handcuffs in the Atwater Kent collection stood out to Yahya Moore right away. He was recently released from prison, after serving 25 ...
Air Date: July 24, 2024
Listen 30:41
Anjoli Santiago has always had a conflicted relationship with religion. Church made her feel like she belonged… until it didn’ ...
Air Date: July 17, 2024
Listen 28:03
Growing up, Jamie J’s house had a radio in every room. Music brought the family together. Now she’s the culture keeper for he ...
Air Date: July 10, 2024
Listen 22:37
Introducing Philadelphia Revealed
Introducing Philadelphia Revealed, a new podcast from WHYY.
Air Date: July 3, 2024
Listen 3:30