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Preview Party: The Forgotten Freedom

The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 made a powerful debut at the National Liberty Museum with an exclusive preview that blended history, culture, and civic pride in a way that felt especially timely as Philadelphia looks toward 2026.

Costantino Spinosa, Director of Museum Experience of National Liberty Museum, Dr. Alaine Arnott, President and CEO of the National Liberty Museum and Wilbert Montgomery, American former professional football player who was a running back for nine years with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions of the National Football League

Guests were among the first to experience the museum’s ambitious new exhibition series exploring one of the nation’s most essential yet often overlooked rights, the freedom of assembly.

Created for America’s 250th anniversary, the immersive presentation unfolds across three interconnected exhibitions, tracing how collective moments, from the founding era to modern pop culture, have shaped the American story.

The preview offered a sweeping narrative through artifacts and storytelling that connected the nation’s earliest gatherings with iconic cultural flashpoints such as Woodstock and Live Aid, alongside influential figures including Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, whose impact extended far beyond sports.

John Colabelli, Publisher. of Philadelphia Style Magazine, Brian Tierney, CEO of Brian Communications and Ron Jaworski known to the world as JAWS, is a former professional American football quarterback and a notable sports analyst, best known for his long career in the NFL, particularly as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Beau McCall shows Dr Matt Kenyatta his art as Souleo looks on

Contemporary artworks added depth and immediacy, prompting reflection on how communities continue to assemble and advocate today.

Bill Carroll, ChiChit Carroll and Michael Milborn
Dr Nicholas L. DePace, MD, (Who operates the DePace Sports Museum) Honorable Judge Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde and Joseph M. Marrone, Esquire
The Kelce Brothers Jerseys are on display

See a 1936 Olympic Torch, a Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour fan jacket, game-worn jerseys from Jason and Travis Kelce, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jalen Hurts

Theresa and Derek Clark

Ken Goldin, Founder & CEO Goldin Auctions lent the preview party an original

Declaration of Independence document from New Hampshire. That was so cool to see in person, and was only displayed at the preview party.

Christy Adams, Joe Lyde, Joe Fraizer Foundation and George Bochetto

Guests enjoyed elevated bites from 12th Street Catering, inventive cocktails by mixologist Sean Clarke, and live music from Bachelor Boys Band, while a lively silent auction supported the museum’s ongoing educational mission.

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Stylish, engaged, and clearly energized by the storytelling, attendees lingered throughout the galleries, reflecting on the enduring relevance of assembly in American life. As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage for the Semiquincentennial, The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 feels not only thoughtful and visually compelling, but deeply aligned with the civic moment the city is about to embrace. To learn more information about the National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut St.) and its latest exhibit, visit libertymuseum.org

See additional photos in CBSPhilly and in an upcoming issue of Phila Style Magazine.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

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Rothman Retro Roller Rink Opened TODAY at Dilworth Park!

Today Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink open with great fanfare and confetti. The retro rink will offer outdoor roller skating at Dilworth Park beginning Friday, April 30 through Sunday, June 27( hmm right before July 4th, wonder what’s in store for that space then?). The rink will follow City, State, and CDC COVID-19 guidelines, including mask requirements, a reduced capacity and enhanced cleaning protocols.

The rink’s retro-inspired design will feature a checkerboard floor and market lights. A colorful installation of overhead hula-hoops – designed and fabricated by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio – will add even more whimsy to the space.

Hour-long sessions will be offered to the public Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-11:15 p.m. with 15 minute scheduling buffers between each session. Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults; roller skate rental is $5. Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rink patrons should book sessions in advance through an online reservation system. Limited in-person sales may be offered onsite. Patrons will be able to purchase locks and reserve lockers. To purchase tickets and for additional information about ticketing procedures and other rink amenities, visit rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.

Sections of Dilworth Park’s interactive fountain will be active on either side of the roller rink.

All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th St., on the west side of City Hall. Visit DilworthPark.org to learn more.

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The Philly Zoo is Open, Here’s How It Looks in the New Normal

The Philadelphia Zoo is once again up to the public. Thursday marks the first day the general public can visit the zoo since it closed on March 17.

On Monday the Philadelphia Zoo officially opened with remarks by Zoo President and CEO Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, Rep. Donna Bullock and Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. Afterwards members were welcomed to enjoy the park.

The Zoo has new safety precautions put in place for your comfort.

NEW SAFETY PROTOCOLS: * All visitors MUST reserve / pre-purchase timed-tickets for admission.
* Tickets will not be available for purchase onsite.
* Social distancing and Masks are required for guests 2+
*  Indoor animal exhibits and attractions remain closed.* Touchless toilets, faucets, paper towel and soap dispensers.
* Hand sanitizing stations throughout the campus.
* More grab and go food selections and touchless transactions at food locations.
* Guests can bring their own food in the Zoo.
* “Clean Team”- staffers dedicated to sanitizing and cleaning high touch areas.
*  New procedures that allow public safety officers to check bags without touching.

How cute, these girls each found a peacock feather for a souvenir.

High-touch attractions — such as the swan boats, carousel, and WildWorks climbing course — will stay closed to create less touch and more distance. Also on hold are activities like educational talks from zookeepers to avoice large crowds gathering.

Although the beer garden is closed for now, food is still being served outdoor dining is still happening at a social distance.

Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates and marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel and explore.

Visit our young western lowland gorillas, baby sloth bear cub, giraffes, hippos, white rhino, zebras, Amur tigers and more at America’s first Zoo.