Category: Chapter News and Events

Special Visit to the Free Library’s Print and Picture Collection (PIX)Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 6 pm – 7 pm Visit Parkway Central Library’s Print and Picture Collection for a special display of material related to Philadelphia’s industrial history, including prints, photographs, and drawings. This in-person program will be presented by Laura Stroffolino, curator of the…

A presentation by Bob ThomasWednesday, September 10, 2025 6pm  Did you every wonder why our region’s rail system seems so haphazardly arranged?  We’ll examine how the system was formed by numerous railroad companies, how it developed and consolidated over the years, and where it’s headed.  Along the way we’ll delve into some of the related…

Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore RR Station, Broad and Washington, Demolished 1940’s. President Lincoln passed through here on his way back to Washington from Gettysburg–– full story on September 10th. The History of Philadelphia Railroads A presentation by Bob ThomasWednesday, September 10, 2025 6pm  Did you every wonder why our region’s rail system seems so haphazardly…

Wednesday,  June 11, 2025 There are still openings to join the special program on Wednesday night. If you are interested please register by sending an email to the address below. oesiaphila@gmail.com Type “Registration” in the subject heading of the email.Attendance will be limited to 20 people to allow for all to handle the materials. Come…

Wednesday,  June 11, 2025 6pm Come for an in-person program to share stories of Philadelphia’s city planning and development. Experience research within the library for a tour of the Government Publications collection. Materials related to transit history and city planning will be on hand for browsing and discussion, allowing attendees to visualize what came to…

Our acting president, Joel Spivak, died Monday morning the same day as the Pope. Despite months of rehab and recovery after an initial brain bleed last summer, Joel just didn’t have the strength to overcome repeated infections and hospitalizations. I got a call from Diane, Joel’s wife. It was not a sudden event so many…

The Schuylkill Navigation Canal SystemA presentation by Mike SzilagyiWednesday April 9, 2025 6:00pm The Schuylkill Navigation is the 108 mile long chain of dams and canals that brought literally millions of tons of anthracite coal down from Schuylkill County to tidewater at Philadelphia. Started in 1815-1825, it ended early in the 20th century. Oliver Evans…

A presentation by Mike SzilagyiWednesday April 9, 2025, 6:00pm The Schuylkill Navigation is the 108 mile long chain of dams and canals that brought literally millions of tons of anthracite coal down from Schuylkill County to tidewater at Philadelphia. Started in 1815-1825, it ended early in the 20th century. Oliver Evans Chapter Member Mike Szilagyi,…

The Oliver Evans Society for Industrial Archeology invites you to join us for AN EXHIBITION TOUR OFPHILADELPHIA REVEALED: UNPACKING THE ATTIC Friday, March 28 at 1:00 p.m.  Location: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building,118-128 North Broad Street You will have to pay the regular museum admission when you arrive. $15 for adults;…

December 11, 2024, Free Library of Philadelphia We are sorry to announce the program has been postponed due to limited response. We plan to present the program in the spring when there will be more time to attract people to come join us.