by Alex Lloyd Gross
A history fair was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Canstatters on Academy Road. This goes way beyond Ben Franklin flying a kite, or the fact that Philadelphia was the nations capital. Did you know that in the 1800’s several race riots occurred in Philadelphia? One was on Lombard Street.
Those facts and others were waiting to be learned when people went to one of 30 exhibitors inside the Canstatters to learn about times of the past. NASA just sent astronauts around the moon. Did you know in the 1960’s and early 70’s the Centrifuge in Warminster was a crucial training ground for all of the astronauts. They had to endure countless hours of training there. The capsule is still there but it’s disconnected. It’s called The Fuge now and it is leased for events. There will be a screening of the film beforethemoonfilm.com/ at the Fuge which will happen around July 20 of this year.
Rail fans would have gone nuts to see some of the early train and trolley cars preserved on film. Along with preserved photos of iconic Philadelphia streets before everything was built up. Ham radio operators were happy to see the Holmsburg Radio Association there. They had demonstrations and a display of the 13 Colonies contest held every year over the July 4 holiday. During this contest, radio operators can contact one official station in each of the original 13 colonies. It’s harder than it sounds.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com NASA Historians show off t shirts to promote their movie.
The history is not confined just to Philadelphia. It’s all around the area. From Delco to Montgomery County. Many organizations, like the General Meade Society were there looking for members.
Outside, there were displays on antique block printing, and doll making. There was even a blacksmith, who was making things from iron. It is amazing to see how far we have come in 50, 100 and 250 years. 20 Years ago you would not be reading this on the internet. Newspapers in print were still popular. Now they are all but dead.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com A woman learns about hstory at Canstatters.
Historian and politician Sam Katz was on hand to show a movie about Philadelphia and American History and then he answered questions .