To escape Ben Franklin and Philly’s red brick, colonial history, check out one of these walking tours.
Architecture and preservation are the specialty of the Preservation Alliance (https://preservationalliance.com/walking-tours/). They’re how we discovered art-deco Philly (Philadelphia + Architecture = Art Deco), and learned about the brilliant Paul Robeson (Paul Robeson: A True Renaissance Man) and German immigrants in Philadelphia (The Past and Future of the German Historic Society).
Hidden City (https://hiddencityphila.org/tours/) has some unique offerings. Our Philly Jazz walk by music historian Jack McCarthy was FANTASTIC! From the club that Dizzy Gillespie credited with helping him develop bebop to John Coltrane’s fateful encounter with Charlie Parker, Jack’s knowledge and stories were encyclopedic (Philadelphia: All that Jazz). We recently (2024) took a Ghost Sign tour of Old City. Perfect blend of history, art, and exercise (Ghost Signs of Old City).
Another group that highlights the city’s lesser known histories is The 1838 Black Metropolis, in collaboration with The Black Journey and the African American Museum (The Hidden Stories of Black Philadelphia). Stories included: America’s first female undertaker (who helped fugitive slaves escape by hiding them in coffins), America’s first Black musician to take a band to Europe (where he played for Queen Victoria), and William Whipper, a black businessman who used actual trains in helping freedom seekers.
To get an insider look at Philly’s vibrant art scene, check out the monthly excursions by Streets Dept. (https://streetsdept.com). From visiting galleries and maker spaces to chatting with artists, their tours are another way to discover the city’s hidden stories. Patreon followers get a copy of Artseeing, their booklet of self-guided walking tours.
Besides their tours, these organization’s social media are a great resource for learning about the hidden stories of Philadelphia.
Secrets of Philadelphia 