Martin Luther King Day Open House at Founder's Hall

In addition to its regular weekday hours (10-4 Wed-Fri), Founder’s Hall Museum hosts a monthly weekend open house. Drop into Founder's Hall on Martin Luther King Day, January 19th, to explore the museum and learn more about the 75 year civil rights struggle to desegregate Girard College.

Housed in a magnificent Greek Revival landmark, the Founder’s Hall Museum offers a glimpse into the complex life of Stephen Girard, America’s first multi-millionaire, and illuminates the legacy of a school which he founded, which has fascinated Philadelphia 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.

Learn about the three generations of Black Philadelphia activists who fought from the 19th century until 1968 for this change, from Nathan Mossel to Raymond and Sadie Alexander to Cecil B. Moore and the Freedom Fighters. Explore the legacy of the the pioneering Girard students of color and the ongoing work of the school today.

Before you go

• This open house event is FREE, and open to everyone. Advance registration is helpful for us, but walk-in visitors are very welcome.
• Founder's Hall is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is located on the second floor and requires climbing a flight of stairs to view.
• Because Girard College is an active school, you will quickly check in with security when arriving on campus.
• Parking is available for free on-site; we are also accessible by several bus lines and are a half-mile walk from the Girard Avenue subway stop.
• Check out www.foundershall.org for more information about our programs, collections, and online resources