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July-August 2014 Freethought Society Newsletter

Click here to go directly to the pdf to read the July August 2014-Freethought Society Newsletter

In the pdf newsletter you will find the following articles: Continue reading: July-August 2014 Freethought Society Newsletter

Maggie Ardiente on Nontheist Discrimination, May 8 2014

maggie ardienteThe Freethought Society (FS) is pleased to host Maggie Ardiente, who is the Director of Development and Communications for the American Humanist Association (AHA), as a speaker on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 7:00 PM. This free and open-to-the-public event will take place at the Ludington Library in the large meeting room located on the main level. The library address is 5 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. A SEPTA stop is located across the street from the library.

Ardiente’s presentation, “Nontheist Discrimination: How Atheists and Humanists Are Mistreated in the United States and Around the World,” will highlight stories of individuals, both in the United States and globally, whose lives were affected by discrimination for identifying themselves living “without god.” She will provide an update about what AHA is doing at the national level to end negative stereotyping against nontheists.

Ardiente’s presentation has been getting rave reviews across the nation and includes a PowerPoint slide show. She will also be available to answer questions from the audience regarding the AHA annual conference that will be taking place in Philadelphia June 5-8, 2014.

Celebrate Thomas Paine Day in Philadelphia with FS and the AHA- June 8, 2014

On June 8, 1994, Philadelphia Mayor Edward Rendell signed the City Proclamation declaring that date as the first “Thomas Paine Day.” Read more about Thomas Paine on the Freethought Society’s Thomas Paine Memorial Committee page.

thomas-paineJoin us after the American Humanist Association conference for a special 20th Anniversary tour of Philadelphia honoring Thomas Paine. The conference ends at noon on Sunday, June 8, and the tour begins at 1:30 PM. Tour bus tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased by June 5th at: http://conference.americanhumanist.org/

Board a private double-decker tour bus to see twenty-one world-famous Philadelphia sites, including the Betsy Ross House, Love Park, the “Rocky Steps,” and much more, all narrated by an expert city guide. At one stop in Society Hill, Thomas Paine, portrayed by actor Stephen Gulick, will join the tour near the Common Sense historical marker.

There will be a 5:00 PM gathering near the statue of Robert Morris located at the site of the 4th and Walnut Streets amphitheater. Enjoy songs, speeches and entertainment commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Thomas Paine Day. Musician James Kloeh will perform followed by speakers Gary Berton (Thomas Paine Expert and FS presenter), Stephen Gulick (Actor), State Representative Mark Cohen, and more surprise guests.

Afterward, visit the City Tavern (6:30 PM) for a Dutch Treat Happy Hour and Dinner. The City Tavern is located at 138 South 2nd Street (at 2nd and Walnut Streets), Philadelphia, PA 19106. Contact event organizer Margaret Downey to make a dinner reservation by June 1, 2014. Email: Margaret@FtSociety.org   Phone: 610-793-2737.

FULL SCHEDULE:

  • Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel (1:00 PM); 201 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

A double-decker tour bus departs from the front of the hotel at 1:30 PM.

  •  Bus stops at the Sheraton at Dock Street and 2nd (3:00 PM)

Walking tour begins, to Thomas Paine Historical Common Sense Marker and Thomas Paine Place Philadelphia with photo opportunities with a Thomas Paine actor (Stephen Gulick). At 3:30 bus departs Sheraton to take some people to the next stop or back to the hotel.

  • Franklin Print Shop and Square (3:45 PM)  320 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

A behind the scenes tour of the print shop by Park Ranger and Thomas Paine expert, Joe Chauncy.

  •  At 4:45 PM the bus returns to the Franklin Print Shop and Square to pick up people needing transportation to the next stop.
  •  Amphitheater at 4th and Walnut (5:00 PM)

In front of Robert Morris statue Philadelphia attendees will be entertained by folk singer James Klueh after which speeches will be delivered by State Representative Mark Cohen and Thomas Paine Educator Gary Berton.

  • City Tavern (6:30 PM)  138 South 2nd Street at Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Dutch Treat Dinner– Contact event organizer Margaret Downey to make a dinner reservation by June 1, 2014. Email: Margaret@FtSociety.org Phone: 610-793-2737.

A poster is available for your convenience and sharing:

ThomasPaineDay-poster-Final-2-web