Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Our Delaware Valley

Our Delaware Valley introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities. Hosted by Lora Lewis, Our Delaware Valley looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

  1. 2d ago

    The Museum of the American Revolution

    From the Museum of the American Revolution Director of Education and Community Engagement Adrienne Whaley discussed the events planned for ‘Flag Day,’ the Historic District’s ‘Red, White & Blue To Do’ on July 2 and ‘Declaration Days’ their Semiquincentennial celebration Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5.  A full schedule of talks, walking tour, all-age activities and even musical entertainment will take place throughout the museum’s galleries – including The Declaration's Journey in the Patriots Gallery, and on its grounds over the extended holiday.   The Museum is also kicking off extended summer hours, now opening from 9AM to 6PM Tickets are always good for two day admission.  Get the full schedule of events, hours, workshop and talks at Amrevmuseum.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min

  2. Jun 5

    Make A Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley

    Jennifer Davis President & CEO of Make A Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley talked about their chapter and its work as they celebrate its 40th year. Jennifer explained their life-changing work that grants children not a ‘last’ wish,’ but a ‘forever’ wish that can inspire and give them strength as they fight critical illness. She points out that 80% of their kids go on to recovery and that research shows a wish can give kids the strength to fight against and even overcome a critical illness. She described their process, from referrals and verifications, to meeting with the child and family to discuss what a wish might look like. She notes many wishes are not for trips but for things for their family – such as a backyard redo - or a way to give back to their caregivers and other kids with their illness.  Make A Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley is always looking for volunteers, including construction help, as well as in kind donations and airline miles from Delta and United to help offset the cost of the more than 200+ travel wishes granted annually. To celebrate the 40th anniversary the chapter will host a party at the Please Touch Museum on November 19th. For tickets to the event or for more information on donating or volunteering visit https://wish.org/philadesv/our-chapter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    28 min

  3. Jun 5

    The Colonial Garden Consortium

    Meredith Sellers, Interpretation and Access Manager at the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Caroline Winschel, Director of Development & Communications at Bartram's Garden and Mackenzie Warren, Education and Programs Manager for PhilaLandmarks, representing Grumblethorpe and Powel House, discussed the Colonial Garden Consortium, bringing attention to Philadelphia’s amazing botanic history in time for the Semiquincentennial. Partners in this initiative include Bartram’s Garden, Fort Mifflin, Grumblethorpe, Pennsylvania Hospital, Powel House, The Woodlands, Wyck Historic House and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, where the exhibit ‘Revolutionary Botany’ examines the origins of the American pharmacy and American botanical medicine and celebrates Philadelphia’s role as “the birthplace of America” and the College as “the birthplace of American medicine.” The properties offer a look at the plants of our founding fathers and mothers used and cultivated for food, medicine and finally, beauty. and allows us to gain an understanding of the deep interconnections in how European settlers gained this knowledge from Native Americans and shared it, amongst themselves and as well as abroad.,  The Consortium has teamed up to create a StoryMap, a digital resource for the public. It displays a map of the partner sites and details their histories in relation to that era of the city. The StoryMap highlights several networks that made significant contributions to the practice and understanding of horticulture, including Native Americans, African Americans, Quakers, physicians, and families, and spotlights notable plants.  The StoryMap also offers a calendar of programming from the participating sites, including a ‘Meet & Geek’ on Wednesday, June 10th at the Mutter Museum.  To access the StoryMap visit MutterMuseum.org and click on “On View.” Learn more about the Colonial Garden Consortium during our Mütter Meet and Geek. Several partners will be there to share fascinating objects from the sites, and discuss the many ways plants were used in Early America. Sign up by visiting visit MutterMuseum.org and clicking on events. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    38 min

  4. May 25

    The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

    Delaware Division Of Historical And Cultural Affairs (HCA) Director Suzanne Savery discussed their mission to protect and preserve historic and cultural sites and to educate the public on the 'First' state’s long history.  She described the sites maintained by HCA including the John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum, the Old State House and the site of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War land battle Cooch’s Bridge, which will open to the public in 2027.  We discussed the events and activities planned around the 250 celebration beginning in May and continuing through Separation Day, the day Delaware declared its independence from the British and Pennsylvania, the 4th of July and the grand reopening of the John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center.  To learn more and to subscribe to their monthly newsletter go to history.delaware.gov From the HCA Calendar  In tandem with the Separation Day Parade on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the New Castle Court House Museum (NCCH) will offer tours and historic activities on the Green. NCCH commemorates Separation Day and the nation’s 250th Anniversary, on June 15th - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with civics, historic and educational activities. At 7pm the museum hosts a special Declaration of Independence program.  4th of July & 250th Anniversary Programming 4th of July events at the Old State House, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. include self-guided tours and historic interpreters who regale visitors with tales of the First State’s Revolutionary past. A historic site interpreter will teach traditional quill pen writing, while Declaration of Independence readings at 2p.m. and 4p.m. round out the festivities.  Other Events The Old State House presents Who Was King George III? on Saturday June 27th 1 pm -- Known as the mad king, George III was a husband and father, a patron of the arts and sciences, and a popular king among many of his subjects. Old State House Site Supervisor Gavin Malone explores all in this lecture-style presentation. New Castle Court House Museum presents the Dog Days of Summer series, where dogs are welcome to join for outdoor movies on the Green. Historically inspired films include Hamilton on June 19, 1776 on July 3rd, and National Treasure on August 28th.   July 21st -July 24th - New Castle History Camp - Travel through history this summer at the FREE New Castle History Summer Camp, focused on the history of government with comparisons of the administration during the American Revolution and government today. Students develop skills as a historian by researching and designing a creative group project that will be presented to friends and family at the New Castle Public Library.  July 24th - Reading of Declaration of Independence - 6pm - A small reenactment and talk about civil disobedience and the Revolution. The Zwaanendael Museum presents its Loyalist on the Lawn series, (Daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on July 1 & 18, August 8 & 22, September 5 & 19, October 3) with a costumed historian portraying an officer of the Loyal American Regiment during the Revolutionary War.  The museum also presents its ongoing Revolutionary War Illustration Series.  John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center -- August The Visitor Center at the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover, Delaware, is slated to open in late July/August. The 14,000 square foot space will debut its permanent exhibit, One Land, Many Voices, later in the fall. The expanded exhibition, educational and meeting space will bring the legacy of the Dickinson Plantation and the many inhabitants of the area to life.    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min

  5. May 4

    The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

    Dan Tadmor, CEO of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, spoke about the museum, established in 1976 as the nation’s only museum dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience and its mission of preserving, exploring and celebrating their history. We talked about the museum’s approaches to displaying the Jewish experience in the Americas, from their first arrival in 1654 through today, the wide diaspora of people from different countries and times, linked by being Jews.  Dan discussed the museum’s plans for 2026, a re-imaging of the space and the mission. The initiatives begin with the exhibition The First Salute, the story behind Jewish occupied Saint Eustatius in the Caribbean that helped supply the revolution against British embargoes. This island was the first to salute – and recognize - an independent America ship. Opening July 4 will be a new permanent gallery, the Colors of Creation, an interactive family forward area that uses color to explore the biblical creation story. Finally, the museum will open a new gallery that will address Contemporary Antisemitism in America, an issue believed unnecessary at the museum’s opening, told through testimonies from Jewish Americans on the “everyday” antisemitism they have personally encountered.  We ended with the learning opportunities the Weitzman offers to children and adults, online and in-person, from lectures and workshops to educational materials for classrooms K - 12.     The Weitzman is open Wednesday through Sunday, it is free with special exhibits ticketed. For more information about the museum, membership, online content and the gift shop, go to TheWeitzman.org.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min

  6. May 1

    Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame and Philadelphia Music Month

    Kerri Park Lennon, Executive Director, and Alan Rubens, President and Board Chair, discussed the 2026 Walk of Fame and Philadelphia Music Month, recognizing The Original Music City. Alan talked about the rich history of Philadelphia, with multiple sounds that cover each decade and the walk which honors them, from artists to producers, musicians and writers. Kerri discussed today’s music scene in Philadelphia, vibrant, diverse and a driver of the city’s nighttime and creative economies. We talked about the Alliance’s role in connecting the music industry and its commitment to the next generation of music makers – they don’t have to leave Philly to find their career. She described the student outreach programming the Alliance produces and supports to inform them of the opportunities beyond the lead in business, graphics, business and legal advisors. We talked about the upcoming inductees to the Class of 2026 for the Walk of Fame, it includes Yannick Nézet-Séguin, The Philadelphia Boys Choir, Hugh Panaro, Adam Blackstone, Lady B, Sun Ra Arkestra, Louise Williams Bishop and Pablo Batista. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to Earl Young, founder and leader of The Trammps. They will be honored on May 13 with a sidewalk unveiling at 11:30AM and an evening gala dinner and performance at the Kimmel Center. The morning event is free and open to the public, tickets for the evening festivities can be found HERE  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min

  7. Apr 17

    The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition discusses World Awareness Day May 8

    From the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Ronni Blaisdell, Director of Mission Strategy and Stefanie Taylor, Senior Manager for programs and community engagement discussed World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day and the need to talk more about women’s reproductive health. We discussed Ovarian cancer, a cancer that begins in the cells of the ovaries, the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum, and its symptoms, varying and often mis-diagnosed. We spoke of the importance of knowing your family history – both sides – and listening to and advocating for your body as there is no test or screening available for ovarian cancer.    Ronni and Stefanie talked about the NOCC mission, to support survivors and caregivers from diagnosis through treatment with advice, referrals, grants and peer interaction, and to fund research to advance treatment and find a cure.  For more information go to OVARIAN.ORG   NOCC also offers a hotline at 888-OVARIAN See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min

  8. Apr 10

    Tony Sorrentino CEO of the Fairmount Park Conservancy

    Tony Sorrentino, CEO of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, discussed Philadelphia’ s great park system and the role his agency plays in maintaining it. He gave the history of Fairmount Parks and the city’s bold move to own the properties along the Schuylkill River to promote the health and well-being of the neighborhoods, continuing the plan of William Penn when he first designed the city. He notes that we are all within 10 minutes of green space and the parks offer boating, birding, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and even salsa dancing.    He explained the ways they are celebrating Earth Month including launching a major tree planting initiative which will add 845 trees to the canopy, reducing heat, improving quality of life and increasing property values. We moved on to the May Love Your Park week – May 9 – 17 – which is already accepting volunteers to help clean and maintain the parks and the river.   He reviewed the many opportunities offered by the parks, from birding and planting to the 6 week FIFA fan fest at Lemon Hill,  all listed at MyPhillyPark.org.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min
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About

Our Delaware Valley introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities. Hosted by Lora Lewis, Our Delaware Valley looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

Information

  • Creator
    Our Delaware Valley
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Beasley Media Group
  • Show Website
    Our Delaware Valley Podcast