May 14th, 2020

May 14th is History Day during Love Your Park at Home

lemon hill

Thursday, May 14th is History Day during Love Your Park @ Home! Here are all the things you can learn, share, and do to celebrate history in Philly parks.

5 14 history day lyp at home

LEARN: About 6 Historic Houses in 6 minutes

Join John Sigmund, Fairmount Park Conservancy Historic House Coordinator, and Justina Barrett, Philadelphia Museum of Art Site Manager, in a whirlwind bicycle tour of six historic properties situated in beautiful Fairmount Park. In just one minute per house, learn unique facts about these historic homes!

Watch video

SHARE: Your own historic photos of your Philly park

woodford mansion 1900 2

Woodford Mansion, 1900.

Share your favorite photos of Philadelphia park history! This can be historic photos of your neighborhood park, or a more recent photo of a fun day spent in your favorite secret park spot. #loveyourpark

DO: Enjoy a virtual Park History Happy Hour at 5pm

Grab a beer (or a stein of ye olde meade) and join John John Sigmund, Fairmount Park Historic House Coordinator, and other park historians as they kick back, relax, and spin some of their favorite Philadelphia park tales.

Join the virtual Happy Hour

BONUS: You're invited to a special webinar "Making history: The power of parks during COVID-19"

How will the COVID-19 pandemic shape the future of our urban parks?

On Thursday, May 14 from 12-1pm, join us for a conversation about resilience and the future of civic spaces with three leading park advocates:

Carol Coletta, President and CEO, Memphis River Parks
Maura McCarthy, Executive Director, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Host
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Register for free

BONUS: Enjoy these free coloring pages of the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park!

Bring some color to these beautiful black-and-white sketches of the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park! These coloring pages are available to download for free – you can even draw your own Historic House! Share your creations by tagging us on social media at #loveyourpark. 

Download free coloring pages

Upcoming Love Your Park @ Home Events

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MLK Day Volunteer Project at FDR Park

January 19th at 9:00am
1500 Pattison Avenue &, S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy for a Volunteer Workday at FDR Park's Meadow Lake! Monday, January 19 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Help us care for one of South Philadelphia's most unique natural spaces! Volunteers will work together to remove invasive species and litter around FDR Park's Meadow Lake. This effort prepares the site for Spring 2026 plantings of native trees and shrubs, which will support local wildlife and strengthen the park’s ecosystem. Your time and energy will make a lasting impact—thank you for being part of this important work! This volunteer event is open to all ages and abilities, and no experience is necessary. Parking & Meeting Location: Please use the parking lot next to the Anna C. Verna Playground. Look for our green tent when you arrive.

Learn More
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MLK Day Volunteer Project at West Fairmount Park

January 19th at 9:00am
5300 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation staff on Monday, January 19, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a volunteer workday celebrating MLK Day at Parkside Evans Playground. Depending on volunteer turnout, we may split into smaller groups to work at nearby locations, including the Parkside Tunnel and the steps to the Mann area. Together, we will work on: Removing invasive species Trash pick-up We will provide all the tools, supplies, and materials for the workday, including gloves.

Learn More