Registration
Tuition for this course is $35. Members receive exclusive discounts on our programs and courses. Not a member? Learn more.
Please check your spam folder for your email confirmation. If you have questions, please call (215) 732-1600 ext. 110 or email rsvp@rosenbach.org.
This program is for those 18 and older.
Registration opens for Delancey Society members on Friday, November 14, for Rosenbach members on Friday, November 21, and for the general public on Wednesday, November 26.
Description
On June 6, 1776, a young, ambitious French mariner and merchant named Stephen Girard sailed into Philadelphia, and into the eye of the revolutionary storm remaking America and the world, as Great Britain’s 13 North American colonies sought their independence. Though he did not know it at the time, Girard’s fate became closely intertwined with that of the city, where he resided for the rest of his life. Girard earned acclaim during his lifetime and shortly after his death for his civic volunteerism and philanthropy, though over the generations, his reputation has suffered due to debate surrounding his attitudes on race, gender, and enslavement. The Rosenbach owns a portrait of Girard painted shortly after his death by notable local artist Bass Otis, which invites consideration of Girard’s evolving legacy over the centuries.
On the 250th anniversary of Girard’s arrival in Philadelphia, join the Rosenbach for an afternoon seminar focused on the Bass Otis portrait and the story of Girard’s decision to cast his lot with the young American republic. In this session, we will study the Otis portrait as well as rare books and manuscripts connected to Girard in the Rosenbach collection before tracing Girard’s self-fashioning as the ideal citizen of the early American republic. As the Rosenbach looks forward to the national semi-quincentennial in July, the course will conclude with shared reflections on lessons we can draw from Girard’s life, philanthropy, and approach to engaged citizenship.
Participants are invited, though not required, to read Portrait of a Citizen prior to the course. The book will be made available at a significant discount when ordered directly from De Gruyter following publication. Check back for details.
Learn more about the book at https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/isbn/9783110987171/html.
Instructor
Photo by Tracie Van Auken.
Alexander Lawrence Ames is Senior Director of Collections Engagement at the Rosenbach. Inspired by the portrait of Stephen Girard hanging in the museum’s stair hall, for the past seven years Ames has been researching the life and legacy of this complex character from local history. His book Portrait of a Citizen: Stephen Girard, Mariner, Merchant, Banker & Philanthropist of the Early American Republic will be published by De Gruyter in spring 2026.
This program is part of “The People’s Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach.” As the United States reckons with challenging civic divisions, the Rosenbach is doing its part to create opportunities to learn, grow, and heal together, as one people. “The People’s Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach” invites members of our community to learn about history and build a bright future together.