American Catholic Historical Society

10/06/2026

Today, the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova is honoring Father Joseph Farrell, OSA with the Profile in Augustinian Leadership. Father Farrell was named the Prior General of the Worldwide Augustinian Order in 2025. Father Joe is from Delaware County, and graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School, and Villanova University.

10/05/2026

The Catholic Historical Research Center invites you to an open house on Thursday, October 22, featuring the exhibit, "From Revolution to Commemoration: America's Founding and Catholic Memory." This presentation examines Catholic contributions during the American Revolution and the ways in which subsequent generations commemorated the nation’s founding. Admission is complimentary, with select ACHS artifacts showcased.

Get an exclusive peek behind the scenes and check out new exhibits at this fun Archives Month event!

10/03/2026

"Thou shalt not park!” These no stopping signs were posted throughout Philadelphia in preparation for the city's first-ever visit by a sitting pope in October 1979. Over a million people flocked to the city to get a glimpse of Pope John Paul II and attend his open-air Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

10/01/2026

October invites us to reflect on the power of the Holy Rosary—a symbol of faith, hope, and resilience. These rosary beads, carried by George Scirotto during his service with the First Army in Europe, were a source of strength through challenging times. George is pictured (front right) with his unit, and at a field mass at Camp Locust in Grove, PA. May we find inspiration in his devotion.

09/28/2026

This antique 1901 Early American Pressed Glass memorial bread plate honors President William McKinley following his assassination. It was produced by the United States Glass Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The phrase, "It is God's way. His will be done." was the final statement of President McKinley, who died on September 14, 1901 from gunshot wounds sustained in an assassination attempt.

09/24/2026

Save the date for the third annual St. Augustine History Fair on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The Fair will feature interesting exhibitors, re-enactors, tours of the church, and more.
https://staugustinehf.org/history-fair

09/21/2026

Formal invitations for the 2026 Commodore Barry Dinner are in the mail! This year we will be honoring award recipient Daniel M. DiLella on November 24 at the Union League. You can also RSVP, purchase a program ad, or an event sponsorship online: https://amchs.org/event/2026-commodore-barry-award-dinner/?event_date=2026-11-24

09/17/2026

Exciting news! CatholicPhilly.com just spotlighted our 2026-27 lecture series. Curious about what’s coming up? Check out the article and join us for a year of inspiring talks!

Spanning this fall through next spring, the six-part series on Catholic history begins Sept. 20 with a talk on the contributions of Catholic sisters to the development of health care in the U.S.

09/16/2026

The Summer 2026 edition of American Catholic Studies features an insightful article about commencement addresses by contemporary US Presidents at the University of Notre Dame. The article states, “In many cases, these Presidential speeches were among the most important public statements of their presidencies, not only for what they revealed about their political and civic philosophies, but also to discuss major policy proposals. These speeches at the most prestigious Catholic university in America contain important revelations about the changing status of the Catholic Church in the United States and the political importance of American Catholics.”

Members of the society receive a free subscription to American Catholic Studies.
https://amchs.org/membership/

09/14/2026

Don’t miss next week’s screening of the documentary series, "In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America," Episode 5: America 1838 - 1876. Mark your calendar for Monday, September 21, 2016, 6 pm to 8:30 pm at St. Augustine Church, 250 North 4th Street, Philadelphia. The screening will be followed by a discussion with a moderator and local Catholic scholars.