Sunday, February 10, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia

15 South 7^th Street (between Market and Chestnut streets)

Free with AKMP admission: adults, $5; seniors and ages 13-17, $3; members, free.

An afternoon of music, conversation and refreshments capture the origins of Philadelphia's Caribbean connections in the 1790s. Diane Turner, Ph.D., curator of the Blockson Collection at Temple University, and Michelle McDonald, Ph.D., assistant professor of history at Richard Stockton State College, discuss the little recognized but strong economic and cultural ties between Philadelphia and the Caribbean.  Moderated by Cynthia Little, AKMP historian, Turner and McDonald set the historical stage by highlighting people, products, and customs from the Caribbean that were a part of city life during the period.  The afternoon features the performance Roots of Puerto Rican Culture by the Latin American Musicians' Association (AMLA) highlighting Caribbean musical traditions in Philadelphia that can be traced to the late 1700s.  

The coffee and sugar trade established strong economic ties, food traditions and cultural bonds between Philadelphia and the Caribbean.  From 1:30-2:30 p.m. McDonald talks about the influence of commerce in the 1790s that continues into the 21^st century, followed by Turner who discusses the impact of Haitian refugees, both white and black, on Philadelphia following France's abolition of slavery in its colonies in 1794.  Between 2:30-3:15 p.m. participants have an opportunity to informally continue their conversation over Caribbean-style pastries and coffee.   At 3:15 p.m. a lively musical performance by AMLA presents the convergence of Spanish, African and Taino Indian culture with samples of musical styles and instruments such as congas, cuatro, guitar, keyboard, bongos, timbales and voices.

Timed to coincide with the Presidents' Day holiday, the program is part of a ten-day focus on Philadelphia's tenure as the United States capital, including a special display of objects and portraits associated with George Washington, including the presidential desk.  Public hours:  1-5 p.m., February 9-10, 13-18.  For information about this and other programs, visit www.philadelphiahistory.org or call 215.685.4832. 

Philadelphia: The Capital City, 1790-1800 is sponsored by Fox Rothschild LLP and supported by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities' We the People initiative on American History.