 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2002 (XXXX 5) |
Visitors during the tourist season have grown used to seeing tri-cornered hats on carriage drivers and Colonial-garbed interpreters at historic sites around Old City Philadelphia. But how many tourists can guess the significance of the wide-brimmed black hat on the plainly dressed man who began frequenting the yard around Arch Street Meeting House this summer?
More than likely, an inquiring look will get the inquisitive passer-by a friendly introduction to Seamus Gardner, a Quaker resident of 1774 colonial Philadelphia, as portrayed by actor Alan Ferry. He will gladly tell you about his hat, and the story behind his being there. He may also politely explain why he declines to tip his hat, as a matter of Friends testimony and the conviction that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
In real life Alan is an employee of the city-funded, not-for-profit Historic Philadelphia Inc. and an attender at Central Philadelphia Meeting. Along with other HPI actors who portray his wife, Lydia Pennington Gardner, and daughter, Hannah, they endeavor to bring Friends' history alive to the many visitors to Philadelphia's Historic District.
You can find these early Philadelphia Friends giving welcome six days a week, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. They speak from their 18th century perspective on all manner of subjects, weaving historical facts and Friends' belief into a compelling personal presentation. They also encourage visitors to enter the meetinghouse to learn more about Friends, which many wish to do, despite the formidable walls that hide the building from the street.
HPI's invitation to take up residence at the Arch Street Meeting House was extended by the PYM Exhibit Working Group formed last spring under the care of Support and Outreach Standing Committee. The working group's mission is to enhance the presentation of Quaker history to the public in the exhibit space at Arch Street Meeting House. The annual contribution to HPI came from Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, whose mission includes increasing the visibility of Friends in Philadelphia. The Exhibit Working Group meets 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Arch Street Meeting House. Friends interested in this work can e-mail info@philaquakerhistory.org or call me at 215-729-3520.
Tim Siftar
Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Arch Street)
Clerk of PYM Arch Street Exhibit Working Group
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM