Mar 29, 2006

Mar 22, 2006

The history post

So since nobody ever visits this site (except Steven and Lynn) I think I'll put some boring work stuff here. Well, it's not boring to me.

I spend a good deal of my time speaking to groups about the Jewish communities in the thirteen colonies around the time of the American Revolution. Where I work is right in the center of Independence National Historic Park and I'm creating a tour of the neighborhood that focuses on the Jewish community.

Here's a map I made with some notable Jewish sites marked.

A big part of my talks involves the Jewish people who were active in the Revolution. I discuss the Jewish soldiers and others who helped shape the country. Here are some portraits of some of the people.



This is Gershom Mendes Seixas, the only Jew among one of the 13 American religious leaders invited to invoke a blessing at George Washington's inauguration in 1789.

The first American-born leader of a Jewish congregation. In 1768 he became minister of Congregation Shearith Israel, the oldest synagogue in what would become the United States.

When the British occupied New York in the Revolution, he served as the religious leader of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia.

Seixas sat on the board of trustees of King's College, later renamed Columbia.


Benjamin Gratz was a soldier and lawyer who fought in the War of 1812 and was an early settler in Kentucky. The Gratz family was filled with amazing people who were involved in early American History. They supported the Continental Army, explored the western frontier trading with Native Americans, helped create many lasting institutions in Philadelphia and along with Daniel Boone, helped settle Kentucky. Most notably was the families commitment to charitable work.

Rebecca Gratz may be the most famous and influential member of the Gratz family. Her story is remarkable, check out this site for her biography.
http://www.jwa.org/exhibits/wov/gratz/

Mar 9, 2006

Do you want to know what I want to know?

Who is the mystery person from the Franklin Institute who is visiting my modest blog?


Leave a comment.


Everyone, leave a comment and visit often.

Thanks.



SPRING IS COMING

Right in our very own yard
Signs of spring




Mar 3, 2006

Mar 1, 2006

Frank E. Hahn Jr.


Frank E. Hahn Jr.

Lawyer, 94

Frank E. Hahn Jr., 94, who spent his entire career as a lawyer - 63 years - with the same Center City firm, died Saturday of heart failure at the Fountains at Logan Square, where he had lived since March. He was a longtime resident of Elkins Park.

A 1928 graduate of Northeast High School, Mr. Hahn earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1932 and a law degree in 1935, both from the University of Pennsylvania.

"How can you practice law if you can't write?" Mr. Hahn questioned his daughter, Judith Kramer, when explaining why he earned a degree in English.

Immediately after graduating, Mr. Hahn joined what is now Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel. He became a partner in 1949. Mr. Hahn stopped working full time in 1986, and worked part time until 1998.

Mr. Hahn was active with the Boy Scouts, serving as president of the local council in 1976. He also was a member of the Cheltenham school board for 12 years.

A member of the board of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, he was chairman of the nursing committee. He also was an active Penn alumnus, serving as president of his class group from 1987 to 1992.

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Hahn is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Berg Hahn; a son, Frank E. 3d; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Burial was Monday.