A secretive cult dedicated to the worship of a Swiss woman met a horrific end in 19th century South Philly. Ryan Briggs unearths the grim details

Rutgers University Libraries releases maps and tour guides of old Philadelphia bicycle routes from the 1890s. Julie Still gives us the details

In 1839, amateur chemist Robert Cornelius was experimenting with a new photographic process at his family’s store in Center City. That fateful year, in an alley off of Chestnut Street, he would give birth to the world’s first “selfie.” Meet the conservator who is working to preserve the elusive portfolio of one of history’s most influential photographers. Joe Brin has the story

Contributor Joe Brin checks in at Morris Animal Refuge where big plans to modernize the 142-year-old shelter are currently in the works

Architect Horace Trumbauer left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape, yet even today he remains largely underrated. Karen Chernick talks with Bruce Laverty, curator of architecture at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, about the man behind some of Philadelphia’s most iconic architecture

Photographing the boot scrapers of Center City, once a decorative and decorous way to remove mud, excrement and other undesirables from one’s shoes