Virtual Program

Come (virtually) behind the walls of Girard College and join Kathy Haas, Girard College’s Director of Historical Resources, for an online tour of the Founder’s Hall Museum.  Stephen Girard – merchant, banker and landowner – was the wealthiest man in American when he died in 1831.  In an unprecedented act of philanthropy, he left his fortune to establish Girard College, originally endowed to educate “poor, white male orphans.”  Housed in a magnificent Greek Revival landmark, the Founder’s Hall Museum offers a glimpse into the complex life of America’s first multi-millionaire and illuminates the legacy of a school which has fascinated visitors since the 19th century, became the focus of a key Northern civil rights case in the 20th century, and continues to educate youth today.

Presented by:  Kathy Haas is the Director of Historical Resources at Girard College, a position she has held since 2017.  In this role she runs the museum in Founder's Hall and conducts all work related to collections, archives, and preservation.  Prior to arriving at Girard, Kathy was at the Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia for twelve years and at a number of New England institutions.  She is a graduate of Harvard and of the Winterthur Program at the University of Delaware.

This presentation will be held online via Zoom.  Register and receive program link by entering your information below.  Any questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.