THE GERMANTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY is an educational and research center dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the original German Township in northwest Philadelphia. Encompassing the contemporary neighborhoods of Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill and the Wissahickon Valley, greater Germantown is a dynamic and diverse community.
The Society houses a unique collection of artifacts, books, manuscripts, maps, and images documenting Germantown’s many stories. Community residents, neighborhood and family historians, scholars, and the curious of all ages are invited to share and experience this history by visiting our museum exhibitions, exploring the resources in the Pat Henning Library and Archives, and participating in our programs and classes.
Funding for Germantown Historical Society is supported in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
June
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
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Time
June 5, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 6, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 7, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 12, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 13, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
⌚When: Friday, June 13th | 3:00PM–5:30 PM 📍Meet at: Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 After meeting at the Germantown Historical Society, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Vernon
Event Details
📍Meet at: Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
After meeting at the Germantown Historical Society, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Vernon Park, then make our way to the beautiful gardens of Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for a refreshing Ice Cream Social. Along the way, collect your 5 stamps, connect with neighbors, and discover something new about Germantown’s rich history.
What to Bring:
👟 Sturdy walking shoes
👨🏽👩🏻👧🏾👦🏼 Friends & family — kids especially welcome!
Sites Included:
🟢Germantown Historical Society
🟢Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery
🟢ACES Museum
🟢Black Writers Museum
🟢Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion.
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Time
June 13, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 14, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 19, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 20, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Event Details
The Germantown Historical Society is excited to present Cardboard Genuis: The Architectural Marvels of Kambel Smith, on view from March 29, 2025 through June 29, 2025. The museum's galleries are
Event Details
The exhibition will feature 11 works by Germantown-based self-taught artist Kambel Smith. Smith is known for his use of found materials, especially cardboard, in his intricate recreations of architectural landmarks. Smith, who “views his autism as a superpower,” creates these masterpieces entirely from memory, and often draws inspiration from the built environment around him in Philadelphia. His work has drawn recent attention from the art world, exhibiting in both solo and group shows and at art fairs nationally and internationally. Smith’s pieces have recently been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum, The West Collection, and private collectors.
This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Chris Byrne, Founder and Director of the Elaine De Kooning House (East Hampton, NY), where Smith previously held a residency, and Kambel and his family. The show will feature several models of Philadelphia landmarks, including Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Chinatown arch, and Germantown’s Nugent Home.
more
Time
June 21, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Address
5501 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Contact
phone: 215.844.1683
Library and Archives Hours
By appointment only
Admission
Research Fee: $10.00; students $5.00
Museum: $3.00 suggested donation
Public Transportation Nearby
SEPTA 23 bus route and Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail Line (Tulpehocken Station)