Pioneering Pennsylvania women | Benjamin Franklin’s library

Pioneering Pennsylvania women | Benjamin Franklin’s library

From Bridging Philly by Audacy

March 28, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

The episode explores the contributions of pioneering women in American history and highlights the American Philosophical Society library.

Philadelphia is at the heart of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, so there’s no better time to look at some of our city’s unique history. First, Racquel Williams talks with two producers of a docuseries highlighting women who made important contributions to the founding of America, but whose stories have been hidden. “For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation” is a partnership between The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and You’ll Never Forget Productions . Then, Shara Dae Howard explores one of Old City’s hidden gems: the American Philosophical Society library, home to some of the rarest historical documents and artifacts in American history, as well as Benjamin Franklin's personal library.

People in this episode

Host: Racquel Williams

Guest: Shara Dae Howard

Topics covered

  • women in history
  • American history
  • Philadelphia
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • documentary
  • libraries

Keywords

  • Pennsylvania women
  • American history
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • documentary
  • Philadelphia
  • libraries
  • historical documents

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, You’ll Never Forget Productions, American Philosophical Society

Books & works: For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation

Places: Philadelphia, Old City

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