Philadelphia History Museum | Philadelphia

The Philadelphia History Museum, originally known as the Atwater Kent Museum, was a major institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich and diverse history of Philadelphia. Though the physical museum closed in 2018, its extensive collection continues to be stewarded by Drexel University, ensuring continued public access to Philadelphia’s heritage.

Origins and Building

The museum was founded in 1938 and opened to the public in 1941.

It was housed in a historic Greek Revival-style building located at 15 South 7th Street in Philadelphia’s Old City district.

The building itself dates back to 1826, designed by noted architect John Haviland. It originally served as the home of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia’s pioneering science and technology institution.

The building was repurposed to become the city’s history museum through the generosity of A. Atwater Kent, a prominent inventor and radio pioneer, who purchased and donated the building to the city to create a public museum.

Mission and Role

The museum’s mission was to collect, preserve, interpret, and display artifacts that illuminate Philadelphia’s role in American history from the city’s founding through the modern era.

It sought to engage both residents and visitors by showcasing Philadelphia’s cultural, social, political, and industrial evolution.

Exhibits highlighted diverse stories, from early colonial life to industrial growth, immigration waves, and Philadelphia’s role in key historical events such as the American Revolution, the abolition movement, and more.

The Atwater Kent Collection

The museum’s collection, now known as the Atwater Kent Collection, includes over 130,000 objects.

This vast assemblage contains artifacts spanning more than three centuries, covering Philadelphia’s development from the late 1600s to today.

The collection encompasses a wide variety of items:

Historical documents and manuscripts

Original paintings and prints

Photographs and maps

Household items and textiles

Tools and industrial artifacts

Political memorabilia and personal belongings of famous Philadelphians

Key pieces include items linked to figures like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Joe Frazier, as well as artifacts related to the city’s Native American Lenape heritage.

Renovations and Rebranding

In 2009, the museum closed temporarily for renovations to modernize its galleries and improve visitor experience.

It reopened in 2012 with updated exhibits, redesigned to provide a more immersive and interactive experience.

Around this time, the museum was renamed the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent to better reflect its expanded mission.

The updated facility included new interpretive approaches, multimedia displays, and an emphasis on telling Philadelphia’s stories from multiple perspectives.

Closure and Transfer of Collections

Despite renovations, the museum struggled with declining attendance and funding difficulties.

The city decided to close the museum in 2018.

In 2019, the City of Philadelphia approved transferring stewardship of the museum’s collection to Drexel University.

By 2022, Drexel officially assumed responsibility for the collection, pledging to preserve, digitize, and make the collection more accessible to the public.

The Museum Without Walls — Digital and Public Access

Drexel University created the concept of a “museum without walls” to share the collection broadly.

The Atwater Kent Collection is now available online through a comprehensive digital platform, enabling researchers, educators, and the general public to explore thousands of artifacts virtually.

Drexel also collaborates with local institutions to present traveling exhibitions and public programs based on the collection.

The collection has been featured in major exhibitions such as “Philadelphia Revealed: Unpacking the Attic” at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, which showcased hundreds of objects and told rich stories of Philadelphia’s history.

Importance and Legacy

The Philadelphia History Museum and its collection have been invaluable in documenting and preserving Philadelphia’s unique role in American history.

The collection provides deep insight into Philadelphia’s transformation from a colonial city to a center of commerce, culture, and politics.

By entrusting the collection to Drexel University and embracing digital access, the museum’s legacy continues, ensuring Philadelphia’s history remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.

Summary

Though the Philadelphia History Museum no longer exists as a physical institution, its vast Atwater Kent Collection remains a vital cultural resource. The collection chronicles Philadelphia’s rich past through diverse artifacts and stories. Managed by Drexel University and accessible through innovative digital platforms and exhibitions, it continues to serve as a cornerstone for understanding the city’s history, culture, and enduring legacy.