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Two Philadelphia museums cancel popular summer camps

The programs were a one-of-a-kind Philly experience.

Culture

The Academy of Natural Sciences and Penn Museum have unexpectedly nixed their longtime summer camp programs.Why it matters: The programs were a one-of-a-kind Philly experience for a generation of kids — offering fun, reliable spaces to play and learn among world-class museum collections while school was out.

Scoop: Ex-detective and "Mare of Easttown" muse sues for sex discrimination

Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a "go-to" consultant on the show, shaping Kate Winslet's titular character.

News

The detective who inspired HBO&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" target="_blank">&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;</a> says she quit because of sex-based discrimination within her department, per a federal lawsuit filed this month.State of play: Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;go-to&quot; consultant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" target="_blank">&quot;go-to&quot; consultant</a> on the show, shaping Kate Winslet&#x27;s titular character, Marianne &quot;Mare&quot; Sheehan, and helping her capture the realities of small-town policing.

Philadelphia region braces for Snowmaggedon 2.0

The second blockbuster storm of the winter could bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall.

Climate

The second blockbuster storm of the winter is poised to bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall to the Philadelphia region. Why it matters: &quot;Here we go again&quot; is the sentiment of many Philadelphians as Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s administration tries to avoid a repeat of last month&#x27;s storm response, which crippled city services and transportation for days.

Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award

The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry's biggest name.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oyster House" data-vars-click-url="https://oysterhousephilly.com" data-vars-content-id="3d5ade0d-52d1-4aaf-a208-6562f3320bb6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oysterhousephilly.com" target="_blank">Oyster House</a> in Center City nabbed a James Beard America&#x27;s Classic Award.Why it matters: The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry&#x27;s biggest name.

Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park

The reinstatement of the exhibits at one of America's foremost historic sites is a defining win for Philadelphia.

Politics & Policy

The National Park Service began restoring the slavery exhibits at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia nearly a month after they were taken down as part of President Trump&#x27;s effort to fight &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improper ideology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/smithsonian-trump-executive-order" data-vars-content-id="90de532e-eccf-46e6-b624-797d6b04e6d1" data-vars-headline="Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/smithsonian-trump-executive-order" target="_self">improper ideology</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The return of the panels at one of America&#x27;s foremost historic sites is a defining win for Philadelphia — and could strengthen a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="separate ongoing legal challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5718006/trump-national-parks-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="90de532e-eccf-46e6-b624-797d6b04e6d1" data-vars-headline="Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5718006/trump-national-parks-lawsuit" target="_blank">separate ongoing legal challenge</a> to the Trump administration&#x27;s attempt to rewrite American history at other national parks.

How an old Philly bread factory inspired Bethlehem's holiday baking exhibit

The curator was inspired by his dad's time working in a Philly bakery.

History

When Bethlehem museum curator <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mark Steigelman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.historicbethlehem.org/about-us/our-staff/mark-steigelman/" data-vars-content-id="b4fa3d21-1872-4c96-95f1-ae01011f61bb" data-vars-headline="How an old Philly bread factory inspired Bethlehem&#x27;s holiday baking exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.historicbethlehem.org/about-us/our-staff/mark-steigelman/" target="_blank">Mark Steigelman</a> needed inspiration for a new holiday exhibit, he turned to a story he knew well: his dad&#x27;s flour-dusted college tales of working at the old Penn Fruit bread factory.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Baked into Bethlehem&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.historicbethlehem.org/visit-us/experience/baked-into-bethlehem/" data-vars-content-id="b4fa3d21-1872-4c96-95f1-ae01011f61bb" data-vars-headline="How an old Philly bread factory inspired Bethlehem&#x27;s holiday baking exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.historicbethlehem.org/visit-us/experience/baked-into-bethlehem/" target="_blank">&quot;Baked into Bethlehem&quot;</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christmas City, USA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/05/bethlehem-pa-christmas-village" data-vars-content-id="b4fa3d21-1872-4c96-95f1-ae01011f61bb" data-vars-headline="How an old Philly bread factory inspired Bethlehem&#x27;s holiday baking exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/05/bethlehem-pa-christmas-village" target="_self">Christmas City, USA</a> sifts through the region&#x27;s baking lineage, reaching back to Moravian settlers&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lovefeasts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.moravian.org/2018/11/the-lovefeast/" data-vars-content-id="b4fa3d21-1872-4c96-95f1-ae01011f61bb" data-vars-headline="How an old Philly bread factory inspired Bethlehem&#x27;s holiday baking exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.moravian.org/2018/11/the-lovefeast/" target="_blank">lovefeasts</a> — candlelit Christmas meals capped with sweetened buns baked in beehive ovens.

This POW from Philly has dedicated his life to speaking up for vets

Ralph Galati is the grand marshal of the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade on Sunday.

Before leaving for the Vietnam War, Philadelphian <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ralph Galati" data-vars-click-url="http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=54" data-vars-content-id="00834130-f2d5-430c-a0f8-95e1bba79481" data-vars-headline="This POW from Philly has dedicated his life to speaking up for vets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=54" target="_blank">Ralph Galati</a> warned his pregnant wife that a knock at the door signaled bad news — one that&#x27;d come days after she delivered their child.Why it matters: Galati endured 14 months of torture, interrogation and deprivation as a POW in Hanoi in the early 1970s — and has dedicated his life since to advocating for fellow veterans.

Ice skating on Philly's rivers once a pastime, but don't try it now

Bitterly cold temps are sticking this week, causing parts of the Schuylkill River to appear frozen over.

Ice skating on the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers was once popular in Philadelphia.Reality check: That was centuries ago.

When Jimmy Carter came to Philadelphia

The late former president embraced the city's "brotherly love" mantra.

Politics

Ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jimmy Carter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/29/jimmy-carter-dead-us-president-obituary" data-vars-content-id="4b762132-2214-47af-a521-06312691fc13" data-vars-headline="When Jimmy Carter came to Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/29/jimmy-carter-dead-us-president-obituary" target="_self">Jimmy Carter</a>&#x27;s national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funeral service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/30/jimmy-carter-funeral-plans" data-vars-content-id="4b762132-2214-47af-a521-06312691fc13" data-vars-headline="When Jimmy Carter came to Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/30/jimmy-carter-funeral-plans" target="_self">funeral service</a> Thursday morning, we&#x27;re looking back at how the late former president embraced Philadelphia&#x27;s &quot;brotherly love&quot; mantra, making heartfelt connections during visits here over the years.The big picture: Carter, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100, is being honored Thursday with a national day of mourning.

Philadelphia's Weitzman Museum closer to joining Smithsonian

It could be the first Smithsonian museum based in Philly as well as the first focused exclusively on Jewish American history.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is one step closer to joining the Smithsonian.Why it matters: If it pans out, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weitzman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/04/22/oy-yo-sculpture-philadelphia-weitzman-museum" data-vars-content-id="530efa40-c140-45ba-aed3-3beeaa3b0a5e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s Weitzman Museum closer to joining Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/04/22/oy-yo-sculpture-philadelphia-weitzman-museum" target="_self">Weitzman</a> would be the first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Smithsonian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.si.edu/" data-vars-content-id="530efa40-c140-45ba-aed3-3beeaa3b0a5e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s Weitzman Museum closer to joining Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank">Smithsonian</a> museum based in Philly as well as the first focused exclusively on Jewish American history.

Swann Memorial Fountain turns 100

The massive fountain on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was first turned on in 1924.

Neighborhoods

Philadelphia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swann Memorial Fountain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/25/philadelphia-art-museum-calder-gardens" data-vars-content-id="6361fcc7-9f40-46c9-bc3d-378ff64dd452" data-vars-headline="Swann Memorial Fountain turns 100" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/25/philadelphia-art-museum-calder-gardens" target="_self">Swann Memorial Fountain</a> in Logan Square turns 100 years old this month.Why it matters: The popular fountain is a must-see for tourists and becomes an unofficial (and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://billypenn.com/2018/07/11/no-youre-not-allowed-to-swim-in-swann-memorial-fountain/" data-vars-content-id="6361fcc7-9f40-46c9-bc3d-378ff64dd452" data-vars-headline="Swann Memorial Fountain turns 100" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://billypenn.com/2018/07/11/no-youre-not-allowed-to-swim-in-swann-memorial-fountain/" target="_blank">illegal</a>) swimming hole on sweltering summer days.

The tangled plot behind Mount Vernon Cemetery's sale

Preservationists are hopeful the sale could potentially lead to the historic yet neglected site's revival.

There&#x27;s a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-in-a-lifetime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3301-W-Lehigh-Ave-Philadelphia-PA-19132/377435640_zpid/" data-vars-content-id="b97d4379-800f-435c-b1a6-e5be8fcd6c29" data-vars-headline="The tangled plot behind Mount Vernon Cemetery&#x27;s sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3301-W-Lehigh-Ave-Philadelphia-PA-19132/377435640_zpid/" target="_blank">once-in-a-lifetime</a>&quot; opportunity on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/real-estate" data-vars-content-id="b97d4379-800f-435c-b1a6-e5be8fcd6c29" data-vars-headline="The tangled plot behind Mount Vernon Cemetery&#x27;s sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/real-estate" target="_self">Philadelphia market</a>: All you have to do is knock on death&#x27;s door.Why it matters: Mount Vernon Cemetery, a neglected yet historic North Philadelphia burial ground to an estimated 33,000 souls, is up for sale — a big step in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yearslong legal battle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/news/mount-vernon-cemetery-philadelphia-conservator-barrymore-20210908.html" data-vars-content-id="b97d4379-800f-435c-b1a6-e5be8fcd6c29" data-vars-headline="The tangled plot behind Mount Vernon Cemetery&#x27;s sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/mount-vernon-cemetery-philadelphia-conservator-barrymore-20210908.html" target="_blank">yearslong legal battle</a> over its future that has some preservationists hopeful for the site&#x27;s possible revival.

The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating its 150th birthday

Score ticket deals and take part in the festivities!

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/12/19/philadelphia-zoo-new-animals" data-vars-content-id="69dfdb13-32da-4325-a676-a2e7c1c8cf53" data-vars-headline="The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating its 150th birthday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/12/19/philadelphia-zoo-new-animals" target="_self">Philadelphia Zoo</a> marks its 150th anniversary Monday.Why it matters: The city lays claim to maintaining America&#x27;s first zoo.

Descendants of slaves watch from Declaration House in new exhibit

The new exhibit highlights the contributions of Robert Hemmings, Thomas Jefferson's enslaved valet.

Large eyes now fill the windows of the Declaration House — belonging to descendants of the enslaved people of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monticello" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/18/juneteenth-families-enslavement-genealogy-history" data-vars-content-id="5fc5727c-7f55-49f1-9304-919dfbf72d0a" data-vars-headline="Descendants of slaves watch from Declaration House in new exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/18/juneteenth-families-enslavement-genealogy-history" target="_self">Monticello</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of a new art exhibit reframing the story of Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia by spotlighting his enslaved valet, Robert Hemmings, who watched him write the document about freedom.