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Asserting and Contesting Power

Assessing and Contesting Power

2015 Theme: Launch of the Philanthropy Initiative

Caption: Clockwise from top right: Bill Gates; Nina Easton, Melinda Gates, Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn; Henry Timms, Premal Shah, Diana Morris, David J. Skorton, Carka Hayden, Sarah Hemminger. Photos courtesy of the National Museum of American History. 


December 1, 2015

The Philanthropy Initiative launches with the first annual Power of Giving symposium taking a broad look at philanthropy’s impact on American life with global impact.

A Scout By Any Other Name

By NMAH, March 11, 2019
In 1913, the Girl Guides of America had changed its name to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. To James E. West, Chief Boy Scout Executive, that meant trouble.

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How black Philadelphians fought for soldiers during World War I

By NMAH, November 8, 2018
Worried wounded African American soldiers weren't receiving the same level of care as white soldiers, the Crispus Attucks Circle took matters into their own hands.

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Culture in the colonial classroom: A failed attempt at assimilation

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When thousands of new immigrants began arriving in Britain's North American colonies in the 1700s, Benjamin Franklin and other philanthropists had a controversial plan to assimilate them.

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Making money and doing good: The story of an African American power couple from the 1800s

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In a society opposed to their full inclusion in American life, two African American artists were among Philadelphia's leading philanthropists in the 1800s.

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