The Board of Trustees of Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Connolly as its new Executive Director, beginning June 9, 2020.
Sean comes to the Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust from Pennsbury Manor, where he oversaw the Education Department. Formerly, he was the Assistant Director for Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s Once Upon A Nation program and the Executive Director of the Manayunk Theatre Company. He has also taught in the Department of History at Drexel University.
“We are excited that Sean Connolly will be serving as our Executive Director,” said Walter Evans, Clerk of Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust’s Board. “His impressive background in non-profit management, historical interpretation, and advancement will greatly assist the Trust in fulfilling its vision of becoming ‘the preeminent destination for experiencing and learning about Quakers’ unique contributions to society throughout history.’”
Located one block from Independence National Historical Park, the Meeting House celebrates the influence of Quakers and Quaker values on the founding of our nation, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, civil rights and ongoing peace and social justice movements.
Sean has a B.A. in History and a M.A. in Theatre and Non-Profit Management. Currently, he lives in the East Falls section of Philadelphia where he enjoys gardening and hiking with his dog, Aurora. Sean is thrilled to join Arch Street Meeting House as the Preservation Trust begins a new chapter in its history.
Sean is keen to expand the Arch Street Meeting House’s capacity as a historic site and an active place of worship and community: “I feel honored to be at the helm of such an exciting historic landmark. Sharing the stories of Arch Street Meeting House’s rich history is a great honor. I look forward to bringing my leadership to the Preservation Trust and working in partnership with our friends at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and the Monthly Meeting that worships there,” Connolly said.
In 2011, Arch Street Meeting House became a National Historic Landmark and the Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust was formed. The land had been deeded to the Society of Friends in 1701 by William Penn, becoming the first burial ground within the city of Philadelphia. Built atop the burial ground between 1804 and 1811, the meetinghouse is an example of the Georgian architectural style incorporating the Quaker ideals of simplicity, equality, and plainness.
The Arch Street Meeting House is owned by the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and it continues as an active meetinghouse for the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia.
Learn more about Quakers’ unique chapters in history through tours and programming offered throughout the year. To schedule a media tour and/or an interview, please contact Rachel Jonas at rjonas@historicASMH.org or phone: 215-983-0501
