American Philosophical Society - Library Hall - Philadelphia, PA
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
American Philosophical Society - Library Hall - Philadelphia, PA
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
A view of the American Philosophical Society’s Library Hall from across Independence Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
From 1790 to 1880, the Library Company of Philadelphia, established by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, was located at Library Hall. The building also served as the Library of Congress for our newly formed nation from 1774 to 1800. The original Library Hall was demolished after the Library Company relocated to 1314 Locust Street in the 1880s. However, in the 1950s, during the historical park’s reconstruction, a replica of Library Hall was built in its original spot. Today, Library Hall houses some of the collections of the American Philosophical Society, while the Library Company continues to operate as a prominent research library on Locust Street. Benjamin Franklin and others established the Philosophical Society as a spin-off of his previous club, the Junto.
Notice Benjamin Franklin’s statue in which he is wearing a toga located directly above Library Hall's main entrance. Franklin expressed his desire to be depicted like the Romans as an acknowledgment of his admiration for the Roman Republic. He envisioned it as the ideal form of government for our budding nation. While Franklin is depicted holding a scepter, its tip is directed downwards to symbolize his strong aversion towards monarchy.
Copyright 2023 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
July 8th, 2023
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