Central High School of Philadelphia was founded in 1836 as “the crowning glory” of Philadelphia Pennsylvania’s public school system, “the worthy apex to a noble pyramid”, and the first “high” school in the state. Enjoy the glorious history of the second oldest continuously operating public high school in the United States. The school opened on October 26, 1838, What followed is truly history!

Presenter: Jeff Thomas is a proud, active  member of the 233rd graduating class of Central High School. He has stayed in touch with Dear Old High for over 50 years. Jeff now serves as Central's Associate Archivist. 

In 2023 I visited the sites of Ancient Mexico: Teotihuacán, Uxmal, Palenque and Chichén Itzá, to name a few. I saw magnificent pyramids, palaces, ball courts and numerous beautiful artifacts. Astounding! Yet these civilizations, technologically advanced and militarily powerful as they were, suddenly vanished. How and why, and what lessons do they have for us today? It will be an amazing journey. 

Presenter: Ranjan Mukherjee Ph.D., has worked in the US pharmaceutical industry. After retiring he is living his dream as a writer, traveler, photographer and speaker. He gives educational and entertaining talks on his travels and experiences in different countries; Nepal, China, India, Canada and Mexico. 

A discussion of the important role of Philadelphia in the origin and growth of the circus in America. The presentation focuses John Bill Ricketts’ first circus in the colonial era and Adam Forepaugh’s great nineteenth century show.

Presenter: John Shepherd is a familiar face at the Upper Dublin Library.  A life-long student of history, he specializes in military/diplomatic history and the story of the circus in America.