PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Inside a former factory in North Philadelphia, more than 2 dozen artists from Mural Arts have been hard at work painting 52 number one sculptures, each honoring a Philadelphia first-from the first ice cream soda to the first selfie, to the First Zoo, and the first volunteer fire company.
There’s a number one sculpture celebrating the first authentic Chinese Gate built in America, the first circus performance, the first folk parade, the first stadium, the first university, the first Ronald McDonald house, the first Children’s Hospital, and the first Children’s Hospital.
Amy Needle, President & CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc and Co-Chair of Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee says the project is both to celebrate and learn about the history.
National Constitution Center VP & COO Vince Stango is also a co-chair of the 250th Committee and says the goal is to bring some of the lesser known Philadelphia firsts to light.
Did you know, for example, that the first pencil with the attached eraser was invented in Philadelphia? Or that the first Slinky was made in Clifton Heights, Delaware County and first sold at Gimbel’s Department Store?
The 52 weeks of firsts also includes a celebration of Philadelphia food firsts-the first cheesesteak, water ice, and bubble gum.
The sculptures are destined for 52 locations around the city.
Every Saturday in 2026, there’s a family-friendly First-ival, celebrating a different Philadelphia first. The First-ivals will have giveaways, entertainment and storytellers bringing the history of the firsts to life.
The sculptures will have QR codes where visitors can access the stories themselves.
The members of the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee hope the stories will generate lots of Philly pride.
The inaugural Philly First-ival is Saturday January 3rd at the Anthaneum, honoring America’s very first hydrogen-filled balloon flight, and then it will be the Mummer’s Museum on January 10th celebrating the first folk parade, The Mummer’s parade.
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