250th Anniversary
Quakers’ Toleration Led Skeptical Young Nation to Accept Catholics as Americans
Catholics were present in colonial America but faced restrictions and discrimination. In Philadelphia, the cradle of religious liberty, they found freedom to worship and earned respect from their peers.
Not All Were Patriots: Remembering American Catholics Loyal to the British Crown
While many noted 18th century Catholics sided with the American patriots during the Revolution, numerous lesser-known Catholics sided with Crown forces – and paid a price when they left Philadelphia.
Catholics Had Prominent Roles in Last 3 Milestone Celebrations of America’s Founding
The large-scale commemorations of 1876, 1926, and 1976 in Philadelphia saw contributions and leadership from the Catholic community, a local historian points out.
George Meade’s Catholic Faith Made Him a Merchant of the Revolution
The Philadelphia philanthropist and father of 10 played a major economic role in funding the American colonists’ eventual victory over the British empire.
Catholic Faith Shaped Commodore John Barry’s Life, Service in American Revolution
The Irish immigrant’s legacy and his imprint on the United States Navy affords him a permanent place of honor in Philadelphia.