Philadelphia 250 Archives - Philly Chit Chat

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

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.

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

The Franklin Institute’s “Universal” Exhibit Recap

Earlier this month I attended a sneak preview of party for the opening of the Franklin Institute’s Universal Exhibition

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, a groundbreaking new exhibit that takes guests inside the immersive and innovative world of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks, made its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 14, 2026, in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal.

The Franklin Institute’s new Universal exhibit invites visitors to explore humanity’s place in the cosmos through immersive science, technology, and storytelling. Guests can expect a highly visual experience that blends space exploration, physics, and the search for life beyond Earth, with interactive displays designed for both adults and families.

Large scale projections, hands on stations, and thought provoking installations help explain complex ideas like gravity, light, and the origins of the universe in ways that feel approachable and engaging. (Pel Productions photo)

*Casey Satell, Director of Institutional Giving*, Kathleen Drummond, Madeleine Brownsey and Larry Dubinski *President and CEO of The Franklin Institut*e

Rather than feeling like a traditional museum gallery, the exhibit moves visitors through a journey that encourages curiosity and reflection, reminding us how small we are in the universe while celebrating human innovation and discovery.

Kernika Gupta, *director of CEO Initiatives at Independence Blue Cross* (and with husband Vishal Patel are co hosting the American Heart Association’s 2026 Greater Philadelphia Heart Ball Heart of Philadelphia Friday) and Kate Wilhelm, *Vice President of Community Growth & Economic Development at Comcast*.

TJ Mannarino, Sandra Bersani and Melissa Gover

The exhibit is equal parts educational and awe inspiring, making it a strong addition to The Franklin Institute’s lineup and a must see for science lovers, students, and anyone looking for something new to experience in Philadelphia.

Very cool movie props

Stefanie Schaffer and Cassandre Cavanaugh

Keeping up with the times, the exhibit also features plenty of fun selfie spots, perfect for capturing your visit and sharing it on social media.

Larry Dubinski *President and CEO of The Franklin Institut*e

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is a trailblazing concept that pulls back the curtain on an industry that entertains and thrills millions, revealing the science, innovation, and creativity in some of the most epic experiences in themed entertainment,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO, The Franklin Institute. “The exhibition brings beloved moments to life in new and exciting ways, delivering a truly unique and fun experience that we are proud to present as a world premiere in 2026.”

The Franklin Institute proudly presents the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center from February 14 through September 7, 2026. The exhibit was created in collaboration with the award-winning creative design firm MDSX. Comcast NBCUniversal is the local presenting sponsor, and PECO, the proud corporate partner of The Franklin Institute, is the associate sponsor of the exhibition. The exhibition is slated to tour North America after its Philadelphia run.