Philosophical Hall facts for kids
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American Philosophical Society Hall
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American Philosophical Society in October 1967
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 104 S. Fifth St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Built | 1787 |
| Architect | Samuel Vaughan |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000675 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 12, 1965 |
Philosophical Hall is a very old building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located at 104 S. 5th Street, close to Independence Hall. For more than 200 years, this building has been the main home for the American Philosophical Society. Because of its important connection to this group, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
Contents
Building a Home for Big Ideas
For 20 years after it started, the American Philosophical Society (APS) didn't have its own building. Its members, who were important thinkers and scientists, met in different places around Philadelphia.
Deciding to Build a Headquarters
In 1783, the APS members decided it was time to build a special place for their meetings. They first thought about a spot near Arch Street. But then, a better location became available. This spot was in the yard of the State House, which is now called Independence Square.
Getting the Land and Starting Construction
In 1785, the Pennsylvania Legislative Assembly, a group of lawmakers, agreed to give the land to the Society. The Legislative Assembly met in the State House, which we now know as Independence Hall.
The Society quickly started digging the cellar for their new building. However, raising money for the project was slow. It took four years to finish the building. The last bit of money needed came from a loan by Benjamin Franklin, who was also a member of the Society.
A Busy History of Philosophical Hall
Philosophical Hall has always been a busy place. It serves as the main office and library for the American Philosophical Society. It is also where the APS holds its important meetings.
Sharing Space with Others
When it was first built, the Hall was larger than the Society needed. So, they rented out some of the rooms. Many different groups used the space over the years:
- Classes for the University of Pennsylvania were held there.
- Charles Willson Peale opened his Philadelphia Museum in the building for a while.
- Even government groups, like the city and a U.S. court, rented offices.
The Society stopped renting out rooms in 1934. This was after a generous gift from a member made the Society financially strong.
Staying in Its Historic Spot
Over the years, the American Philosophical Society thought about moving several times. Once, the city wanted to buy the building to use as a courthouse. But they couldn't agree on a price.
In the early 1900s, there was a plan to move many intellectual groups to a new area called the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Society's members discussed this idea many times. However, the big gift in 1934 helped them decide to stay at Philosophical Hall.
In 1890, the APS added a third story to the building to hold its growing library. But this addition was later removed in 1949. This happened after the library moved to a different location.
Philosophical Hall Today
Today, Philosophical Hall still houses the APS offices. It also has a museum that is open to the public from April through December each year. The Society's twice-yearly meetings moved to Benjamin Franklin Hall, a nearby building, in 1993. Philosophical Hall is special because it is the only privately owned building on Independence Square.
See also
In Spanish: Philosophical Hall para niños
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Philadelphia
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Center City, Philadelphia
Images for kids
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National Historic Landmark Plaque
