Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

• Usher performing this week

• Upcoming Flyers home game

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

-Matt Haig

Philadelphia Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

The Philadelphia Mint was the first federal building under the Constitution. What significant innovation in coin production was introduced at the Philadelphia Mint in the early 19th century?

A) Water-powered machinery for coin pressing

B) Steam-powered coin pressing

C) Introduction of copper in coin alloy

D) Automated coin engraving processes

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

A regional precision medicine consortium in Greater Philadelphia was short-listed for the US Economic Development Administration's Tech Hub distinction. (link)

Cherelle Parker was elected as Philadelphia’s 100th mayor, focusing on supporting minority business growth and workforce development. (link)

🏦 Finance

An Op-Ed discussed how Philadelphia will need to blend public and private climate financing to adapt to ever-growing climate risks. This piece highlighted the need for innovative financial strategies to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in the city. (link)

American Water Resources (AWR), an Oncourse company, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) announced the renewal of a multi-year contract. This partnership aims to provide Philadelphia homeowners with optional home warranty coverage plans. Since its initiation in 2018, this collaboration has served over 90,000 Philadelphia homeowners, saving them nearly $58M in unexpected water and sewer line repairs​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles held a series of press conferences addressing their recent performance. Key members of the team, including the head coach Nick Sirianni and players like Jalen Hurts and Jason Kelce, discussed strategies and reflections following a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The discussions revealed insights into the team's approach to addressing their challenges and preparing for upcoming games​​. (link)

The Philadelphia Flyers achieved a notable victory against the Colorado Avalanche with a score of 5-2. Key players like Travis Konecny, who scored two goals, and Travis Sanheim, who contributed with a goal and an assist, were instrumental in this win. This game highlighted the Flyers' strong performance and team coordination​​. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🥍 Philadelphia Wings vs. Albany FireWolves (December 16): An exciting lacrosse game featuring the Philadelphia Wings against the Albany FireWolves. Held at the Wells Fargo Center, this game is a great opportunity for sports enthusiasts to witness a high-energy match in one of the city's premier sports venues. (link)

🏒 Detroit Red Wings at Philadelphia Flyers (December 16): The Philadelphia Flyers will be taking on the Detroit Red Wings in a gripping ice hockey match. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at the Wells Fargo Center as these two teams battle it out on the ice. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Usher (December 12): Usher, known for her captivating voice and refreshing take on R&B, will be taking the stage at the Wells Fargo Center. (link)

Family

⛸️ Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular in FDR Park (Decemer 11 - 17) : This event features twinkling lights, ice skating, and other holiday activities in South Philly’s FDR Park. (link)

🎅 Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo (December 11 - 17): This event at the Elmwood Park Zoo features brilliant light and tree displays, live holiday music, animal meet-and-greets, and photo ops with Santa​​. (link)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Philadelphia during a zombie apocalypse” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Philadelphia History

Opening of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (1876)

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, originally established for the Centennial Exposition in 1876, officially opened its doors as a museum in 1877. This event marked a significant cultural milestone for Philadelphia, showcasing the city’s commitment to the arts and education. The museum, originally called the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, aimed to promote the development and appreciation of art, aligning with the nation's post-Civil War reconstruction and industrialization efforts.

Situated at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum's iconic building, completed in 1928, is one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable landmarks. Its vast collection, encompassing over 240,000 objects, includes significant works from America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The museum has become renowned for its diverse holdings, ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, making it one of the largest and most important art museums in the United States.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has played a crucial role in the city’s cultural life, offering educational programs, special exhibitions, and community outreach initiatives. Its steps gained fame through the "Rocky" films, further embedding the museum in popular culture. The institution continues to inspire and educate both residents and visitors, solidifying Philadelphia's status as a city rich in art and history.

Famous Philadelphians

Marian Anderson: 1897-1993

Marian Anderson was a world-renowned American contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century. Born and raised in Philadelphia, her extraordinary talent broke barriers and challenged racial prejudices in the arts.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings in Philadelphia (1897-1915) 

Born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Marian Anderson showed an early talent for singing. Growing up in a modest setting in South Philadelphia, she sang in church choirs and community events. Her rich, vibrant voice garnered attention, leading her to pursue formal music education.

Struggles and Triumphs (1916-1930) 

Despite facing racial discrimination, Anderson's resolve to succeed in music never waned. Her community rallied to fund her training, supporting her through vocal lessons. She debuted with the New York Philharmonic in 1925 and subsequently gained recognition in Europe, where racial barriers were less restrictive.

International Acclaim (1930-1939) 

Anderson's European tours were highly successful. She performed in major concert halls, receiving acclaim for her commanding voice and artistry. In Scandinavia, she met Jean Sibelius, who was so impressed with her that he composed songs specifically for her.

The Lincoln Memorial Concert (1939) 

A defining moment in Anderson's career and civil rights history was her 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial. After being denied the use of Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution because of her race, Anderson performed at the Memorial, drawing an integrated crowd of over 75,000 and millions of radio listeners.

Continued Success and Diplomatic Role (1940-1950) 

Throughout the 1940s, Anderson’s career flourished. She became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955. Her role as a goodwill ambassador for the United States took her around the world, where she used her music to bridge cultural divides.

Civil Rights Activism and Recognition (1950-1965) 

Anderson was an active figure in the Civil Rights Movement. She participated in events like the 1963 March on Washington. Her achievements garnered numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.

Later Years and Retirement (1965-1980) 

In 1965, Anderson retired from singing but remained involved in arts and education, mentoring young artists. She settled in Danbury, Connecticut, but her ties to Philadelphia remained strong, marked by frequent visits and continued involvement in the community.

Legacy in Philadelphia and Beyond (1980-1993) 

Marian Anderson passed away in April 1993, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in music and civil rights. Philadelphia honors her memory with landmarks such as the Marian Anderson Recreation Center and a mural in her childhood neighborhood.

Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society 

The Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society in Philadelphia preserves her legacy, housing memorabilia, photographs, and recordings. It serves as a testament to her impact on music and society.

Key Achievements of Marian Anderson:

• Overcame racial barriers to become a world-renowned contralto.

• First African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera.

• Her Lincoln Memorial concert in 1939 became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement.

• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to arts and civil rights.

• Left a lasting impact on Philadelphia’s cultural history and the world of music.

Marian Anderson's journey from Philadelphia’s church choirs to the world’s grandest stages is a story of resilience, talent, and groundbreaking achievements. Her legacy continues to inspire and resonate, both in her hometown and across the globe.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen