Philadelphia’s African Americans, Jews, and Catholics all made major contributions to the celebration of America’s 150th birthday. Yet each were treated very differently by the fair’s managers and by the city government, reflecting the prejudices of America in the 1920s. Irish Catholics used the Sesqui to trumpet their emergence into the city’s power structure. Despite their major financial and organizational contributions to the fair, Jews were reviled and attacked by anti-Semites, starting with Henry Ford and his Dearborn Independent. African Americans struggled to make their presence felt despite the widespread racism of the day, only to see their major projects sabotaged by fair executives. All this against a backdrop that included eugenics, anti-immigration agitation, and a planned visit by 100,000 Ku Klux Klan members for their 1926 Klonvokation, all with the blessing of Philadelphia’s city fathers.
On January 8, 2026 at 7:00 pm, Tom Keels will describe these events at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church. Admission is $10, which includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is required.
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 and buy copies of Mr. Keels’ books.
This event is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. 100% of the funds that we raise from this event will go toward the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard.
About the Author
Tom Keels is a lecturer, writer, and commentator specializing in Philadelphia history and architecture. He is the author or co-author of seven published books on Philadelphia history: Sesqui! Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World’s Fair of 1926; Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love; Forgotten Philadelphia: Lost Architecture of the Quaker City; Philadelphia Graveyards and Cemeteries; Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square; Chestnut Hill, and Philadelphia’s Golden Age of Retail (with Lawrence M. Arrigale).
