Upcoming Events at Arch Street Meeting House
Historic Holidays in Old City
Holiday cheer fills Old City with twinkling lights, seasonal flavors, and festive happenings around every corner. Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa or a holiday-inspired cocktail at one of our local restaurants, or explore unique gifts while supporting small businesses throughout the season — including Small Business Saturday. With family-friendly activities, shopping, and dining, Old City offers a holiday experience that’s full of charm, community, and tradition.
Old City District’s signature open street celebration returns on Saturday, December 6, from 12–4 p.m. Third Street from Market to Arch will be temporarily closed to vehicles, creating a festive, walkable atmosphere. Stroll the street, shop holiday specials, sip seasonal beverages, and enjoy live entertainment along the way.
Step on board the Franklin Footsteps Holiday Trolley at Market Street for a warm-up and purchase tickets for the Original Holiday Light Tour!
Entertainment Schedule
12-2PM: The Parson Brown Carolers
1:30-3:30PM: Snow Queen Stilt Walker
2PM: Central High School Choir
3-4PM: WhoPhat Brass Band
Arch Street Meeting House will be open for FREE, with special family-friendly activities.
Meetinghouse by Candlelight
Arch Street Meeting House’s annual winter celebration, Meetinghouse by Candlelight, returns on Friday, December 5th, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.
Celebrate the season with festive live music, hands-on craft activities suitable for all ages, and exciting raffle prizes from local Old City businesses and institutions. Lit by real candlelight, experience ASMH’s historic West Room (1811), then Meet Quaker History by exploring the museum’s exhibits.
4:30 PM - Program Begins
Ongoing:
Complimentary Light Fare
Meet Quaker History with William Penn
Family-Friendly Crafts with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting & theMonthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia
Raffle Prizes
4:45 PM - Germantown Friends School
5:15 PM - Friends Select School
5:30 PM - Greene Street Friends
5:45 PM - Frankford Friends School
6 PM - George School
7 PM - Program Ends
Memorial to the Lost®
The Friends Ending Gun Violence Collaborative, under the care of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, in partnership with Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence, will host a Memorial to the Lost® installation at Arch Street Meeting House.
The Memorial to the Lost® honors the lives lost to gun violence through a compelling visual display. Each t-shirt in the installation bears the name, birth and death dates, and age of an individual lost to gun violence.
Visitors are invited to walk among the shirts, reflect on the impact of gun violence, and remember those memorialized throughout the installation’s display from November 7th to November 8th, 2025.
Why This Memorial Matters
Guided by Quaker principles, we affirm that Peace is the Way. Gun violence takes over 40,000 lives each year in the United States, leaving families, friends, and communities to cope with profound loss. The Memorial to the Lost® offers a space for reflection and serves as a call to action, reminding us of the work still needed to build safer communities and prevent future tragedies.
For more information or accommodations, please contact FEGVClerk@pym.org.
Memorial to the Lost®
The Friends Ending Gun Violence Collaborative, under the care of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, in partnership with Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence, will host a Memorial to the Lost® installation at Arch Street Meeting House.
The Memorial to the Lost® honors the lives lost to gun violence through a compelling visual display. Each t-shirt in the installation bears the name, birth and death dates, and age of an individual lost to gun violence.
Visitors are invited to walk among the shirts, reflect on the impact of gun violence, and remember those memorialized throughout the installation’s display from November 7th to November 8th, 2025.
Why This Memorial Matters
Guided by Quaker principles, we affirm that Peace is the Way. Gun violence takes over 40,000 lives each year in the United States, leaving families, friends, and communities to cope with profound loss. The Memorial to the Lost® offers a space for reflection and serves as a call to action, reminding us of the work still needed to build safer communities and prevent future tragedies.
For more information or accommodations, please contact FEGVClerk@pym.org.
Halloween in the Historic District
Trick-or-Treat around Philadelphia’s Historic District!
The Philadelphia Visitor Center and the Independence Historical Trust have teamed up to bring you a day of Halloween fun in Philadelphia’s Historic District as it transforms into a family-friendly Halloween trick-or-treat trail.
Start your adventure at Arch Street Meeting House or the Independence Visitor Center to pick up a trick-or-treat bag, then use the map to find over 25 Historic District Partners that will have treats and special programming for participants! FREE, no registration required.
Burial Ground Scavenger Hunt
Arch Street Meeting House has had 20,000 burials within its historic grounds, but which ones can you find?
At Arch Street Meeting House, explore the over 320-year-old burial ground with a family-friendly scavenger hunt. FREE.
Museum will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
On view at Arch Street Meeting House through October 1, 2025.
Worldwide Day of Play
Join ACM and Nickelodeon for Worldwide Day of Play!
The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and their member museums are excited to partner with Nickelodeon on the 2025 Our World: Worldwide Day of Play. As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this global event focuses on getting children and their families active!
Visit Arch Street Meeting House for FREE on Saturday, September 27th, and join in on the fun! We’ll have family-friendly activities and exciting ways to Meet Quaker History.
Registration is not required.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.
Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.
After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where does the tour begin?
A. To join the tour, check-in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Q. Is the tour rain or shine?
A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.
Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?
A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
CollegeFest 2025
Arch Street Meeting House is joining Campus Philly’s CollegeFest 2025!
CollegeFest is Campus Philly's official welcome-to-Philadelphia weekend, curated for new & returning college students in the Greater Philadelphia Region.
During CollegeFest weekend, happening September 20-21, 2025, students can explore 25+ Philly-area museums, national landmarks, and historic sites for FREE—exclusively with their CollegeFest ticket. Your CollegeFest ticket also gets you deals & discounts on transportation, plus FREE entry to the Campus Philly Block Party, happening at 19th & Race Streets on Saturday, September 20, from 10am-3pm.
Stay tuned for more information.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.
Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.
After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where does the tour begin?
A. To join the tour, check-in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Q. Is the tour rain or shine?
A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.
Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?
A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Educational Saturday: Roll For Museum
Did you know there are lots of different ways to be a museum? Learn about what it takes to be a museum in the 21st century, then roll the dice to see what type of museum you can design!
Stop by ASMH for this hands-on, all-ages activity. Registration not required.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition (Copy)
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.
The Quaker City: A Walking Tour
The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.
Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.
After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where does the tour begin?
A. To join the tour, check-in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Q. Is the tour rain or shine?
A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.
Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?
A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.
Operational funding has been provided by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Cultural and Historical Support Program, a program funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Educational Saturday: Free Produce Movement
The Free Produce Movement (also known as the Free Labor Movement) originated among Quakers in the 18th and 19th centuries as a means to boycott goods produced by enslaved people - a practice similar to the boycott of cruelty-free products today. The movement was very popular among Philadelphia Quakers like Lucretia Mott and abolitionists like Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, but it wasn't easy to balance income and expenses within the movement.
Stop by ASMH to learn more about the Free Produce Movement in a hands-on, all ages activity. Registration not required.
Power of Goodness - Art Exhibition
The Power of Goodness Exhibition is a collection of stories and original children’s artwork on nonviolence, healing, and reconciliation, collected by Quakers over 65 years and now on display in the Reception Room. Respect for the dignity of all life emboldens people to act in love and conscience.
Power of Goodness Teams today spread messages of justice and peace in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jeju Island, North Caucasus, Philippines, Rwanda, Ukraine, West Papua, and the United States.