2009 JASNA Annual General Meeting in Philadelphia
Important: Information about the 2009 JASNA AGM is located on the JASNA web site.
The JASNA Eastern Pennsylvania Region is proud that Philadelphia was the first city in the United States to publish one of Jane Austen's novels: Emma, in 1816. Philadelphia's rich history has made it the home of many other "firsts" as well:
- The nation's first public grammar school was founded in Philadelphia in 1689.
- The first botanical garden of the U.S., Bartram's Garden, opened in 1728, so named because of the generosity of Philadelphian John Bartram.
- Benjamin Franklin founded the nation's first public library, the Library Company of Philadelphia, in 1731.
- Founded by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Bond, The Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia opened its doors in 1751 to become the first hospital in the U.S. Philadelphia is home to the nation's first medical school, first children's hospital, first cancer hospital, first eye hospital, first nursing school and first dental school.
- In 1777, the first flag to represent the new nation of the United States was sewn in Philadelphia by Betsy Ross.
- The University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1779 by famous Philadelphian Benjamin Franklin, became the first university in the United States.
- Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States, from 1790 to 1800.
- The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, founded in Philadelphia in 1805, became the nation's first art school and first art museum.
- Designed by architects Howe and Lescaze and built in 1932, the landmark PSFS Building of Philadelphia is designated as the first truly modern skyscraper in the United States.
- In 1946, the world's first computer, ENIAC (Electronic Numeric Integrator and Computer), was built in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania.
Please direct comments, suggestions, or questions regarding the 2009 AGM to 2009AGMCoordinator@jasnaeastpa.org.
Photo Credits: All photos by B. Krist, courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.