New Books Network Carolyn T. Adams et. al, "Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century" (Penn Press, 2025)
Nov 14, 2025
Dr. Charlene Myers, a historian and professor emerita at Rutgers–Camden, dives into the fascinating narratives of Greater Philadelphia. She discusses the extensive scope of the new history collection, connecting communities across three states. From Philadelphia's pivotal role in the American Revolution to its diverse cultural identity, Myers highlights how the region's history shapes its present. She also contrasts the digital encyclopedia with curated essays and reveals details about the visually rich design of the volumes, making history accessible for all.
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Region Over City Limits
- Greater Philadelphia is defined as a flexible metropolitan region spanning parts of three states rather than a fixed boundary.
- The editors emphasize interdependence between city and periphery across southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware.
Tracing The Great Wagon Road
- Charlene Myers traced the colonial Great Wagon Road personally to understand early travel and migration patterns.
- That trip explained why Quakers exiled from Philadelphia were sent to Winchester, Virginia, along that road.
Governance Across Centuries
- A chapter on Regional Governance links treaty negotiations with modern institutions like SEPTA and the Port Authority.
- The editors map centuries of regional stewardship to show continuity in governance.
