Podcast Summary: New Books Network – Carolyn T. Adams et al., Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century (Penn Press, 2025)
Interview with Dr. Charlene Myers (editor), hosted by Omari Averitt Phillips
Released: November 14, 2025

Overview

This episode of the New Books Network features Dr. Charlene Myers, editor and contributor to the three-volume set Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century. The series, published by Penn Press, presents a comprehensive, thematic exploration of Philadelphia’s regional, national, and global significance. Dr. Myers discusses the genesis of the project, its unique structure, contributions, and its timely reassessment of Philadelphia’s identity as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dr. Charlene Myers: Background and Approach

• Dr. Myers is a Philadelphia-based historian, professor emerita at Rutgers University, and former journalist.
• Her writing focuses on place, identity, and memory, with previous works on Independence Hall and the race to host the United Nations.
• Her experience blends academic history and practical journalism, influencing the editorial strategy of the book series.
  (03:10)

The Encyclopedia and the Birth of the Trilogy

• The books stem from a fifteen-year project to build a digital "Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia" with hundreds of scholar contributors and local civic input.
• The transition to print aimed to synthesize extensive digital content into narrative-driven, thematically organized books, offering context beyond “clickable” fact-finding.
• The trilogy is conceived as a legacy project and resource for both academic and public exploration of the region.
  (03:16)

The Three Volumes: Content & Structure

1. Volume 1: The Greater Philadelphia Region

   • Explores the vast scope of the metropolitan area, spanning parts of three states—Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware.
   • Traces development from Native American settlements through colonial roads (notably the "Great Wagon Road") to modern transportation and governance.
   • Highlights the importance of regional interconnectivity and governance, including a chapter spanning Native treaties to SEPTA (public transit).
   • Each chapter contains new introductory essays and an “Explore More” section for recommended reading and site visits, supporting both narrative and research needs.
   • Notable quote:
     “The amazing thing is that [the governance chapter] runs from treaty negotiations between Native Americans and Europeans up through things like SEPTA, which is our public transit agency ... that span of material, I think, is just really amazing.” – Dr. Myers (09:03)

2. Volume 2: Greater Philadelphia and the Nation

   • Co-edited with Jean Sutterlin, focuses on Philadelphia’s pivotal national roles—founding documents, social struggles, and evolving identity.
   • Moves beyond the Revolution to examine the 19th and 20th centuries, addressing issues of inclusion, exclusion, and shifting definitions of nationhood.
   • Key chapters include “Capital of Black America,” exploring the emergence of the strong free Black community around Mother Bethel AME Church.
   • Examines Philadelphia’s image in media, pop culture, and communications—Benjamin Franklin, the postal service, sports, music, and humor.
   • Notable quote:
     “Philadelphia was arguably the capital of Black America in the 19th century, especially as the free black community formed and grew around Mother Bethel AME Church and other African churches that were founded here.” – Dr. Myers (12:29)

3. Volume 3: Greater Philadelphia in the World

   • Edited with Andrew Heath (UK-based, with a background in Atlantic World history), this volume expands focus to Philadelphia’s global connections.
   • Includes introductory essays on the Atlantic World, the Americas, and the Pacific World.
   • Covers immigration, religious diversity, environmental history, epidemics (from the 1793 yellow fever to COVID-19), and transnational knowledge and activism.
   • Concludes with labor, commerce, and global conflicts, underscoring Philadelphia's “Workshop of the World” identity.
   • Extensive use of archival illustrations and custom maps.
   • Notable quote:
     “This is the book that explains how we got this way.” – Dr. Myers, on the volume’s coverage of regional diversity (18:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:31–03:10: Dr. Myers’ background in history and journalism, and prior books.
• 03:16–23:11: The development and content of all three volumes, unique essays, editorial philosophy, and features (“Explore More,” interpretive essays).
• 23:11–24:59: Discussing the significance of this “new history” for the upcoming 2026 U.S. anniversary.
• 25:13–30:09: Editorial process—civic planning, recruiting contributors, editing, peer review, and the role of student assistants.
• 30:14–34:12: Intended audiences: information seekers, students, teachers, policymakers, and tourism professionals.
• 34:23–34:51: Dr. Myers’ current and future endeavors following her retirement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“So what we end up with here with these books is a move from a research tool where you might look up a specific fact, but it doesn’t give you the narrative ... the vital importance of the volumes, I think, is to create that reading experience, to give you something you can hold in your hands.”
— Dr. Myers (08:23)

“The trajectory through the 19th and 20th centuries, where we see Americans really struggle right over what this nation is going to be, who's included, who's not included ... is, I think, really important story for us to see and to understand.”
— Dr. Myers (13:46)

“If you reach one teacher, you reach hundreds of kids. You reach one tour guide ... you have reached hundreds of visitors.”
— Dr. Myers (32:47)

Audiences and Civic Aims

• The books target engaged information seekers, students, teachers, policymakers, and the tourism sector.
• Funded in part to ensure accessibility in schools and libraries; workshops are provided for educators.
• Aspires to foster wider civic engagement—enabling residents and visitors to see their place in local, national, and global streams of history.
  (30:14–34:12)

Reflection and Forward Look

• The trilogy is designed as a “fully elaborated look at our region ... comprehensive in the sense of scope of geography and scope of people and places and organizations.”
• Editorial processes incentivized diverse contributions and rigorous standards.
• Dr. Myers now undertakes consulting and public history work, focusing on Camden and Philadelphia’s 19th-century history.
  (34:23–34:51)

Summary
This episode provides a rich exploration of Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century, from the scholarly roots and collaborative creation process to its sweeping regional, national, and global narratives. Dr. Myers’s insights exemplify the project’s dedication to accessibility, civic engagement, and legacy-building as Philadelphia—and the nation—heads into its 250th year. The volumes are as valuable to historians as they are to teachers, students, policymakers, and tourists seeking a meaningful connection to the story of America's “first city.”