OLIVER EVANS CHAPTER

Author: Muriel K, Veep

  • Big Boy No. 4014 Coast-to-Coast Tour

    Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more…

  • Cheers to 250: Brewing in America

    Chapter member Rich Wagner will present the keynote address on Saturday May 16, 2026 at 11 AM. for the opening of the exhibit at the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, PA. His colonial brewing system will be on  display. Cheers to 250: Brewing in America invites visitors to raise a glass to the rich…

  • Lost Creeks of Philadelphia: Burying the Streams, Building the City

    In this 1839 watercolor by David Johnston Kennedy, street embankments have been built through a section of low ground near Rittenhouse Square. The city was only responsible for building the streets to the regulated grade; filling up or cutting down the private property in the center of the block was up to the owner. Courtesy…

  • Lost Creeks and Sewers of Philadelphia

    Lost Creeks and Sewers of PhiladelphiaSaturday, April 18, 2026, 10:30am Chapter member Adam Levine is offering a gallery talk on his exhibit with photographer Joseph Elliot at the Athenaeum in Philadelphia. The event will be limited to the first 20 people who register. To sign up please send an email to the Oliver Evans chapter…

  • Zitner’s Candy

    The crocuses are up and the robins are back, but for many Philadelphians, it won’t be spring without Zitner’s candy. Zitner’s Fine Confections, the century-old Philadelphia chocolatier known for its cream-filled Butter Krak eggs and other Easter specialties, is skipping this Easter season after shutting down its aging factory in North Philadelphia. Zitner’s chief executive…

  • Virtual Bricks and Leaves Town Tour

    March 31, 2026 – 6:30pmVirtual Bricks and Leaves Roebling, NJ Town Tour Led by museum board member and geologist, Pierre Lacombe! Explore the built and natural landscapes in Roebling from the hand-made bricks to the trees that still line the streets.Cost: Free,  Registration requiredhttps://roeblingmuseum.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0a4dd86cae8b6005659c97b1b&id=dde374cb3b&e=31989277be Roebling Museum tells the story of the origins and growth of…

  • First paper match folder in 1892, Philadelphia

    Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10am-5pm EDT Science History Institute315 Chestnut StreetPhiladelphia PA 19106 The date was missing from the previous post on the event:

  • First paper match folder in 1892, Philadelphia

    Join us for a special Stories of Science celebrating the invention of the first paper match folder in 1892—the precursor to the modern matchbook—as part of the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts. In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration. After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first…

  • Burpee Seed Company

    Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum has created a virtual exhibition telling the story of the partnership between the U.S. Postal Service and America’s mailing industry. Philadelphia born Burpee Seed Company is one of the featured companies.  The introduction starts, “ W. Atlee Burpee, born in 1858, grew up in Philadelphia, the son of a prominent physician.…

  • Philadelphia: Workshop of the World, new date

    New date! Due to ongoing exhibition construction and maintenance work, we have rescheduled our March First Friday event, “Philadelphia: Workshop of the World,” to Friday, March 13, 5pm-7pm.  We apologize for the inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding. The safety of our staff and guests is always our top priority. If you plan…