Bruce Conner, front, with (L to R) Frank Hollingsworth, Lou Iatarola, Sam Katz, Jack McCarthy, Nancy Morozin and Rev. Paul Andel at the screening of Katz's documentary on Jan. 18. Photo by Hillary Shemin.

Holy Family University announces the establishment of the Bruce Conner Memorial Scholarship for History. The scholarship honors the memory of Bruce Conner, an alumnus of Holy Family University (class of 1976) and celebrates his passion for history, particularly local history. It will be awarded annually to one or more students majoring in history who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students involved in local history initiatives and activities.

Initial funding for the scholarship is being provided by the Trustees of Lower Dublin Academy, a local charitable organization established in 1794 to support educational activities. Friends of Bruce Conner and of Northeast Philadelphia history are encouraged to donate to the scholarship fund as well. continue reading »

A historic building in the Northeast is now continuing its purpose centuries later.

The Lower Dublin Academy began as a one-room log cabin schoolhouse in 1723. The building developed from the will of Philadelphia’s own Thomas Holme who died in 1695. Holme was Pennsylvania’s first Surveyor General, working directly under William Penn. Before he died, he left specific instructions for his family.

“Holme gave four pounds towards the education of a child in the community,” said Fred Moore, president of the Friend of Lower Dublin Academy (Moore is also president of the Holmesburg Civic Association and is an active member of the Northeast Philadelphia History Network). “The will was not finalized until 1723 when his grandchildren decided they needed to take care of their grandfather’s wishes.” continue reading »

Bruce Conner helps lead a meeting of the Northeast Philadelphia History Network last March, when the group split from the Historical Society of Frankford.

Bruce Conner passed away last week following a car accident late last month. In the passage below, his friend and fellow historian, Jack McCarthy, remembers Bruce.

The Northeast Philadelphia history community suffered a major loss with the recent death of local historian Bruce Conner. Bruce had been in a coma following an auto accident in late February and died on March 9th. The accident occurred as he was driving home from one of the many local history meetings he regularly attended.

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RecycleBank's Carla Castillo encourages Holme Circle residents to sign up for the citywide program and earn rewards for reducing waste.

The hour-long meeting last night of the Holme Circle Civic Association drew about 20 people. And while most came out for an update on the Stokes property, many took interest in the city’s Recycling Rewards Program. continue reading »

Northeast Philadelphia held its second annual Northeast Philadelphia History Faire yesterday.  The event featured about a dozen historical organizations. These included Friends of Lower Dublin Academy, the Historical Society of Tacony, the Historical Society of Frankford, Byberry Friends Meeting House, a table for the Poquessing Creek Watershed, the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table and tables for Kensington and Torresdale, plus more.

The event, which featured a live folk band and a table for food, was once again held at Holy Family University’s Campus Center. continue reading »