FOUNDERS HALL AT GIRARD COLLEGE
www.girardcollege.com
215/787-2600
2101 South College Avenue (Girard and Corinthian Avenues)

America's first multimillionaire, Stephen Girard, provided in his will for a school (not a college in today's terms) for white, fatherless boys. The extremely expensive, initial building, Founder's Hall (completed in 1847), was designed in Greek Revival style by Thomas Ustick Walter. The layout was never effective, and Founder's Hall—although it remains part of the campus—ceased functioning as classroom space. In 1968, the school was integrated by race (and later by gender), following years of Civil Rights litigation. It is a full-scholarship boarding school for students from families of limited financial resources.

FREEDOM THEATER
215/978-8497, box office
1346 North Broad Street (at Master Street)

Since 1968, the region's oldest and most active African American theater has been located in this expanded 1852 mansion, built by a wealthy brewer. Theater founder John Allen gained fame for his involvement in community activities; besides a full season of annual performances, Freedom Theater provides instruction through the Performing Arts Training Program. The original part of the house was (coincidentally) once occupied by famous 19th-century actor Edwin Forrest. For much of its history, this location was home to the Moore College of Art and Design (originally the Philadelphia School of Design for Women), now on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. For a tour of the theater, call 215/765-2793, ext. 2264.

RODEPH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE
615 North Broad Street (at Green Street)
215/627-6747

Rodeph Shalom-the oldest Ashkenazic congregation in continuous existence in the United States—was founded in 1802 by a group of German Jews. Built on the site of its 1866 predecessor, this 1927 synagogue was designed in Byzantine style by Simon and Simon. Both the exterior and interior walls are covered with painted and carved geometric designs, executed by the D'Ascenzo Studios, which was also responsible for the stained glass of the main sanctuary and the mosaic tile floor of the vestibule. Call ahead for a tour.

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY
www.easternstate.org
215/236-3300
Fairmount Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets

Completed in 1836, this National Historic Landmark was designed in Greek Revival style by John Haviland. Its interior was based on Sir Samuel Bentham's 1787 plan used for jails and insane asylums in England—seven long cell blocks radiating from a surveillance rotunda. Each prisoner was put in solitary confinement and given a chance to study the Bible and reflect on his life of crime. The last inmate left Eastern State Penitentiary in 1972. A decade later, preservationists rallied to save the structure. Tours, exhibits, and special events vary by season. Call ahead or check the penitentiary's Website.

MURAL ARTS PROGRAM
PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION
www.muralarts.org
www.gophila.com/murals
215/685-0750

Established in 1984 (initially as an anti-graffiti initiative), the Mural Arts Program has created more than 2,000 painted walls. This extraordinary, nationally recognized program emphasizes collaboration between the artist and the community—resulting in bold, colorful compositions that have altered the architectural landscape of the city and fostered civic pride. In the words of director Jane Golden, the murals "serve to provoke thought, to inspire dreams, to bear witness, and to remind people that they are part of a larger world." In 1996, the program became part of the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. Mural locations near Tour Stop 6 include:

Ridge Avenue at Green Street
JULIUS ERVING (DR. J)
Artist: Kent Twitchell. 1990.
Notes: This "portrait" mural honors Julius Erving (Dr. J), one of Philadelphia's preeminent sports figures. Artist Kent Twitchell pioneered the photo transfer method (which uses silk or polyester parachute fabric as an interface material) to create this mural. The more conventional method is the grid system, in which proportioned, enlarged squares help the artist transfer the mural design from paper to wall. Sponsor: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

11th and Wallace Streets
AUTUMN CASCADE (1108 Wallace Street)
FOREST BROOK (1110 Wallace Street)
Artist: Ken Millington. 2001.
Sponsor: City of Philadelphia

Founders Hall, Girard College.

Rodeph Shalom Synagogue.

Details from four Philadelphia neighborhood murals.

Julius Erving (Dr. J). Mural by Kent Twitchell.