DATE: Saturday, March 3
TIME: 1pm – 3pm
LOCATION: Open Book Bookstore
DATE: Saturday, March 3A river runs through it… Philadelphia, that is. Our city is bounded by the Delaware River, but it is the Schuylkill River on which we float and ride and race our dragonboats, our sculls, and our kayaks, over which aerialists dangle, and beside which we walk, run, and bike. We live on, beside, and yes, sometimes even in the mighty and beautiful Schuylkill as it twists and flows through our city.
Join our Schuylkill River Celebration and meet two authors who will tell us about their perspective on life on the river. AUTHOR TALKS BEGIN AT 1:15PM.
Beth Kephart is the author of Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill, a short, imaginative telling of the life of the Schuylkill River, which has served as the source of Philadelphia’s water, power, industry, and beauty for the city’s entire life. Before that, it fed the indigenous people who preceded William Penn, and has since time immemorial shaped our region.
Beth will talk about the psychology of the river, and the poetry of the river and what it means to live near and with water.
Beth Kephart is the award-winning author of 22 books, editorial director of the PBS arts and culture show “Articulate with Jim Cotter,” an adjunct teacher at the University of Pennsylvania, a co-founder of Juncture Workshops, an essayist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and a book reviewer for the Chicago Tribune.
Dotty Brown is the author of Boathouse Row, the first book to lift the curtain on the little-known culture and history of Philadelphia’s iconic 19th century landmark, revealing stories of passion and perseverance along with hard-won victory. With more than 160 photographs, Boathouse Row chronicles the “waves of change” as people of different races, classes, and genders fought for access to water and the sport.
Dotty will talk about the history of the use of the river, who’s been using the river for sport and other purposes throughout its history.
Dotty Brown is a former reporter and editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer. During her newspaper career, she edited numerous prize-winning projects, including one that won a Pulitzer Prize. She is also a member of the Vesper Boat Club.
FOLLOWING THE AUTHOR TALKS, JOIN US FOR A DRAGON BOAT PADDLING LESSON!
In addition to these two authors, we will be joined by representatives of the Philadelphia Flying Phoenix dragon boat team who will tell you how you can get involved in this fun and fabulous team sport and who will demonstrate popular paddling technique (right in the bookstore!).
Refreshments will be provided. Join us for a celebration of one of the special aspects of Philadelphia, our aquatic life!