Founder's Hall Museum

Founder's Hall Museum Come behind the wall at Girard College to discover fascinating history, monumental architecture, and little known stories.

Do you recognize anyone in this image? We’re taking a look at the faces from our historic photo collection and hoping ou...
05/29/2026

Do you recognize anyone in this image? We’re taking a look at the faces from our historic photo collection and hoping our community can help fill in the gaps.

This picture from 2001 is the first in our new series, , where we’ll share photographs from the past and invite you to help us identify the people in them. Stay tuned for more images and more stories still waiting to be told.

05/28/2026

What is unique about the eagle design on the First Bank of the United States (which later became Stephen Girard's Bank)? Take a minute to learn more about the architecture of the building, which is reopening to the public on July 1.

05/26/2026

Join us Friday June 5 at 6 PM to hear Dr. Alex Ames discusses his new book "Portrait of A Citizen" which explores how "Girard's philosophy of engaged citizenship illuminates the cultural forces at work in the early United States."

276 years ago today, Stephen Girard was born on Rue Ramonet in Chartrons, France (now part of Bordeaux). When did the tr...
05/20/2026

276 years ago today, Stephen Girard was born on Rue Ramonet in Chartrons, France (now part of Bordeaux).

When did the tradition begin of alumni placing flowers at Stephen Girard’s tomb for his birthday (honored as Founder's Day)? We don't know for sure but it was clearly well established by 1888 when the first description appears in the alumni newsletter.

05/15/2026

Founder’s Day is tomorrow, May 16! The museum will be open 11-4 and there will be other great events across the grounds, from musical performances to basketball games. The tradition of welcoming alumni and community to campus on the Saturday closest to Stephen Girard's birthday dates back to the early days of the school. This 1941 home movie is the oldest film footage we have of the event.

Our new temporary exhibit, "A Pure Attachment to Our Republican Institutions," opened today. This exhibit, timed for the...
05/13/2026

Our new temporary exhibit, "A Pure Attachment to Our Republican Institutions," opened today. This exhibit, timed for the 250, explores the history of civics education and how Girard College has taught students about citizenship, public life, and civic responsibility.

Stop by to see the new exhibition!

The next month is a busy one at Founder’s Hall Museum, with the annual Founder's Day celebration, a new temporary exhibi...
05/09/2026

The next month is a busy one at Founder’s Hall Museum, with the annual Founder's Day celebration, a new temporary exhibit on Girard's history of teaching civics and citizenship, a talk with the author of a new book on Stephen Girard, plus several unique tours.

See what’s coming up and plan your visit at www.foundershall.org

May 13: "A Pure Attachment to Our Republican Institutions" exhibit opens
May 13: Hands on History Tour: Daily Life in the New Nation
May 16: Founder’s Day with museum open hours from 11-4
May 31: North Fairmount Historical Walking Tour
June 5: “Portrait of a Citizen” Book Launch with Dr. Alex Ames
June 6: Stephen Sites Walking Tour of Old City

Founder's Day is coming up on Saturday, May 16, so today's takes us back to Founder's Day 1946. We'll be hanging out t...
05/08/2026

Founder's Day is coming up on Saturday, May 16, so today's takes us back to Founder's Day 1946. We'll be hanging out the welcome banner again this year for all our alumni, neighbors, and friends so come by on the 16th between 11-4 for open museum hours, campus events, food, and more.

Also part of the weekend celebration is the annual Spring Concert (May 14) and a 5k fundraising run (May 17).

More information and registration link (to speed your entry to campus) at https://bit.ly/GCFoundersDay

The first week of May is National Teacher Appreciation Week, which honors the dedication and impact of educators. Here a...
05/06/2026

The first week of May is National Teacher Appreciation Week, which honors the dedication and impact of educators. Here at Girard we honor all the staff who work to educate and care for our students and keep the school running. Do you remember any of these faces from years past?

Tonight is prom night at Girard! Enjoy these Flashback Friday prom pix from decades past.
05/01/2026

Tonight is prom night at Girard! Enjoy these Flashback Friday prom pix from decades past.

Address

Girard College, 2101 S College Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19121

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12157874434

Website

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