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Attending
Industrious at Fashion District
“People really tuned in. They were super curious.” – Meredith
“I’ve been loving your history pop ups.” – Michael
“We loved listening and learning about Philly history under the beautiful cherry tree!” – Patti
What is a history pop up?
Philly History Pop Ups are fun, often free gatherings hosted by Cara Schneider Bongiorno (me!), a veteran tourism
marketer who loves sharing what I found most interesting in promoting Philadelphia to travel media for 20+ years.
They’re 45-minute, lively presentations–given indoors or outdoors–that appeal to people curious about our city. I want guests to enjoy themselves, have a few, “Aha!” moments, and maybe do a little exploring on their own afterwards.
When and Where?
I schedule and promote about a dozen public pop ups a year, and do many for private groups. Locations vary, but homebase is the picnic tables at Corinthian Gardens, outside the massive stone wall
of Eastern State Penitentiary.
Betsy Ross House
Upcoming Public Philly History Pop Ups
Thu, Mar 20PhiladelphiaJoin a Women's History Month "Philly History Pop Up" on the topic of the Centennial Exposition–-the world’s fair that drew 10 million people to Fairmount Park in 1876, in honor of the country's 100th Birthday. Learn what came from the Expo, where all those buildings went and how women saved the day
Sat, Oct 26PhiladelphiaExplore symbols & stories inside the Masonic Temple with Cara and Santé Johnson, founder of the Mason Stitch Art Collective.
Sat, Oct 05PhiladelphiaHow COOL to tell the story of the Marquis de Lafayette--and his incredible contribution to the young United States--in a place he knew well--Cliveden house in Germantown.
Sat, Sep 28PhiladelphiaWe know the name–Marquis de Lafayette–but maybe not his impact on the formation of our country and our perception of it. Hear his story 200 years TO THE DAY of his arrival in Philadelphia, during a weekend commemorating one of THE most anticipated events in Philadelphia and U.S. history.
Tue, Jul 30PhiladelphiaHear the tale of one of the weirdest, most over-the-top events in city history– massive, medieval style party that happened in South Philly during the Revolutionary War.
Thu, Jul 18PhiladelphiaHear the Lafayette story on site at Wyck House in Germantown. House tour to follow. Organized by Main Line School Night. $55. (Discounts for MLSN members.) CLICK on event title for more info.
Tue, Jul 16PhiladelphiaLafayette! It’s a name we know–the Marquis de Lafayette–but his impact on the formation of our country, and even our perception of it, holds layers of surprise and inspiration. Program closes with a fellow Philadelphian sharing her ancestor's story of connection to Lafayette.
Thu, Jun 27Guild House HotelTea & cookies reception and entertaining presentation on an event the Guild House Hotel and Philly History Pop Ups have in common: The Centennial Exposition of 1876.
Sat, Jun 01PhiladelphiaPeek into private homes, and into the past at this popular summer fundraiser for one of America's oldest continuously inhabited streets. I'll be doing an Alley-themed "Interesting Twists on Places You Know" in a garden off the alley, at 2:30 and again at 4pm. $25 tickets from Elfreth's Alley 1-5pm- Wed, May 29PhiladelphiaHear the story of the event that drew 10 million people to Fairmount Park in 1876; learn what came from the Expo, and where all those buildings went. The topic is especially timely as Philadelphia prepares for the nation’s 250th in 2026.
Thu, May 16PhiladelphiaSummer series at Corinthian Gardens returns with a themed version of "Interesting Twists on Places You Know," revealing some lesser-known stories hiding inside Philly historic sites and attractions.
Thu, May 09Creutzburg CenterA pop up for lifelong learners at MLSN's Creutzburg Center building in Radnor. Hear the tale of one of the weirdest, most over-the-top events in city history. Period snacks included. $35 ticket through MLSN. (Discounts for members.) CLICK on event title for more info.
Fri, Apr 05PhiladelphiaFirst Friday pop up themed around craftsmanship, inspired by Claudia Mills’ in-studio looms and Philadelphia’s manufacturing history. Topic will be “Interesting Twists on Places You Know: HANDMADE edition."- Thu, Mar 14PhiladelphiaWomen’s History Month tea & cookies reception and entertaining presentation on an event the Guild House Hotel and Philly History Pop Ups have in common: The Centennial Exposition of 1876.
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