Philadelphia to Add 14 New State Historical Markers

Philadelphia is set to unveil 14 new historical markers in the coming year. These additions will bring the total number to more than 300 markers that have been placed in the city since the program started in the 1940s by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

This latest batch follows a two-year pause in marker additions and was approved by the PHMC after a thorough review of public nominations by experts.

One of the markers will honor the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel at 200 S. Broad St. Built in 1904, it was known for its luxury and was the site of the first Legionnaires' disease outbreak in 1976. The hotel underwent significant renovations and reopened late last year as part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. 

Others will mark notable sites such as Carpenters' Hall, the Philadelphia Hostel for Japanese Americans during World War II, and Belmont Mansion's Underground Railroad.

Additional markers commemorate historic events like the 1844 Kensington Riots, which involved violent clashes between nativist Protestants and Irish Catholic immigrants.

One marker will highlight the landmark 1919 Supreme Court decision Schenck vs. United States, which established the "clear and present danger" test for free speech. Charles Schenck, a leader of the Socialist Party in Philadelphia, printed and mailed 15,000 leaflets to men of draft age urging them to resist military conscription. 

Several markers also honor notable local figures, such as Edith "The Kid" Houghton, Florence Kelley, and Raymond Pace Alexander.

PHMC also approved four new historical markers in Montgomery County, two in Chester County, and one each in Delaware and Bucks counties.

"Pennsylvania's Historical Markers are more than just signs; they are powerful storytelling tools that connect us to our past," PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery shared with PhillyVoice. "Each marker is a testament to the remarkable individuals and events that have shaped our state and our nation. We are proud to expand this program and continue our mission of preserving and interpreting Pennsylvania's history for future generations."