Since its founding in the 1680s, Philadelphia has been a city on the move. What began as a small British colony grew to become the capital of a new nation and is now a modern metropolis, home to 1.6 million people. All of its changes have been documented by hundreds of maps over the years, with each telling a unique story shaped by their makers’ understanding of the world. It’s impossible to tell the history of a place without the use of maps. This curated collection uses maps as primary sources to document Philadelphia’s evolution. It starts with the Indigenous Lenni Lenape, who called this area home for generations. It ends in the mid-20th century, during the growth of the nation’s highway system. In between, these maps chart the growth of industries, historic injustices, unexpected innovations, and moments of celebration.
Admission is $12, which includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advanced tickets are available at a discounted rate of $10 each until the day before the program.
This program will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, you can taste delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea.
This program is hosted by Preserve Old Swedes, the non-profit that preserves and interprets Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church and its historic campus. 100% of the proceeds from this program will support their preservation efforts.
Natalie Pompilio is an award-winning writer and editor based in Philadelphia. She has worked on the staffs of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Daily News and The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune. Natalie has authored or co-authored five books including This Used to be Philadelphia(2021), Walking Philadelphia: 30 Walking Tours featuring Art, Architecture, History, and Little-Known Gems (2017), More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell (2006), Philadelphia A to Z(2008) and Historic Maps of Philadelphia (2026).