The Mullica Hill library will host historian Paul Kahan for a talk on Philadelphia history at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.
The author will discuss his latest book, “Philadelphia: A Narrative History,” and what the future may hold for the historic city. Philadelphia is famous for Colonial-era and other historic buildings and artifacts that draw tourists around the world, according to its description on Google.
“Philadelphians, too,” the site adds, “value these same buildings and artifacts for the stories they tell about their city.”
Philadelphia existed long before the Liberty Bell first rang, and its history extends well beyond the American Revolution. In his book, Kahan writes about that history, from the region’s original Lenape inhabitants to residents in the 21st century.
Kahan specializes in American history and has written about other notable events from the nation’s past. His books include, “The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant: Preserving the Civil War’s Legacy”; “The Bank War: Andrew Jackson, Nicholas Biddle and the Fight for American Finance”; and “The Homestead Strike: Labor, Violence and American Industry.”
“Paul Kahan is a lecturer in history at Ohlone College in Fremont, California,” said the library’s Beth DeGeorge. “He received his Ph.D. in history from Temple University and is also the author of “Eastern State Penitentiary: A History,” a national finalist for the American Association of State and Local History book award.”
The author event is free, but registration is required online at the GCLS website. Contact DeGeorge by phone at (856) 223-6050 for more information.
“Understanding Philadelphia’s past,” Kahan notes in his book, “is key to envisioning future possibilities for the City of Brotherly Love.”
