As Philadelphia celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, I wanted to focus on the people who help keep the city’s history alive every day. These individuals, known as the History Makers of Historic Philadelphia Inc., bring Philadelphia’s founding story to life through their work and interactions with the public. Whether they are welcoming visitors at Independence Mall, sharing stories at the Betsy Ross House, or simply walking the streets of Philadelphia in period clothing, they create connections between the past and present. For many visitors, these encounters are their first personal experience with the city’s history. Through conversation, storytelling, and character portrayal, the History Makers make Philadelphia’s past feel real and accessible. Photographed against a plain white background, these portraits remove the historic settings and costumes from their usual context and place the focus on the individuals. This project is a recognition of the people whose passion, knowledge, and dedication help tell Philadelphia’s story as the city celebrates this historic milestone.
Shecky Perlman as Benjamin Franklin. “The reasons I most like portraying Dr. Franklin are his wit and humor. I believe these qualities aided him greatly in accomplishing all that he did in his lifetime and, as one recent biographer said, made him ‘the first real American.’”Zoe Hollander as Mary Crathorne. A chocolate maker and business owner living in 18th century Philadelphia. Following the death of her husband, Mary became sole proprietor of the business and successfully managed operations on her own, while providing for her three young children. “I enjoy portraying Mary because she is an ambitious woman that when faced with tragedy, allowed herself time to mourn, evaluated her options, and then rolled up her sleeves and got to work.”Josh Gold as Joseph Plumb Martin. “I play Joseph Plumb Martin, who joined up with the Revolution at 15 and fought for the duration of the war. It’s an honor to tell this person’s story because it highlights the fact that our independence was won by everyday people who said ‘enough’ and that everyday, regular people can change the world when they choose.”Robert Branch as Bishop Richard Allen. “Founder of the first independent African Church denomination in the U.S., A.M.E., African Methodist Episcopal. I love interpreting this historical figure because he is a Founding Father of struggle to overcome slavery and racism in this nation.”Jackson Pavlik as Benjamin Franklin. “It’s a treat to play Franklin because he reminds me of the curiosity inherent to the American spirit. I also get to wear a fun wig!”Kaitlin Healy as Susanna Cooke. “A Philadelphia woman who came of age during the American Revolution. In 1793 her husband passed from the yellow fever epidemic, and she turned to renting her home and working as a laundress to make ends meet. While many were still reveling in our newly found independence, she was struggling with her own. She stands as a testament to every woman who has had the courage and resilience to keep going after everything falls apart.”Nell Fossa as Betsy Ross. “Betsy is credited with making the first flag, but more than that, she represents the multitude of contributions that working-class women made to the Revolution. This year, I especially love having the privilege of portraying such a strong woman.”David Scott Taylor as Gideon Olmsted. “As a privateer, in support of the fight for independence, the young Captain Gideon Olmsted mutinied and captured a British merchant vessel, the Active, off the coast of New Jersey. Before he could get to the privateering center on the coast of New Jersey, two ships from the Pennsylvania Navy intervened and the case ended up before the admiralty court in Philadelphia. This led to a 30-year ordeal which was finally resolved before the fledgling Untied States Supreme Court. This is a good character for me, partially, because he lived to ‘advanced’ age and I am not so young anymore. The story is also rich with historic significance and name-dropping of others involved, such as George Ross, Benedict Arnold, and David Rittenhouse.”Miriam Reid as Milcah Martha Moore. “One of those figures who wasn’t monumentally historically important in their day, but serves as an excellent tool for modern day research. Between her dedication to documenting prominent female poets of her time and her extensive family connections, playing Milcah gives me the opportunity to talk about a little bit of everything and inspire curiosity about topics people might never have thought could be interesting.”Miranda Thompson as Hannah Till. “Playing Hannah Till gives me the continued strength to persevere throughout the uncertainties of life. Mrs. Hannah believed in and achieved her freedom and I believe I can continue to have mine.”Coe Kummer as Jacob Hiltzheimer.
