2025 Main Street Now Conference

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Marian Anderson Hall

Monday’s Opening Plenary at the recently renamed Marian Anderson Hall, is just a few blocks from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. There are so many famous and infamous Philadelphians, but Marian Anderson may not be as well known. Marian Anderson was a renowned contralto who fought against racism and broke down barriers most of her life. After being turned away from performing at Washington, D.C.’s Constitution Hall in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt invited her to sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to over 75,000 people. In 1955, she was the first African American singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. As a Civil Rights icon, Marian performed to 250,000 demonstrators during the 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and at both Eisenhower’s and Kennedy’s presidential inaugurations. Marian was awarded the first Presidential Medal of Freedom, and multiple other prestigious awards throughout her lifetime.

“When I sing, I don't want them to see that my face is black. I don't want them to see that my face is white. I want them to see my soul. And that is colorless.”- M. Anderson

If you have the time, you may want to visit Marian Anderson’s home, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Southwest Center City to learn more about the incredibly impactful life that she led.

FDR Park

Wednesday night’s Big Bash event will be held at FDR Park and the American Swedish Historical Museum, two unique spaces most visitors may not discover on their own, but ones where we hope you’ll revisit upon your return. FDR Park’s commitment in creating a welcoming place for ALL embodies the foundation of Main Street as it is a place for everyone, so we thought it was an ideal place for us to celebrate the culmination of another successful conference, connect one last time, and bid farewell to new and old friends!

A few years ago, the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Friends of FDR, and park ambassadors undertook an inclusive multiyear planning effort for the existing Olmstead Park that included outreach and surveying in seven different languages to hear from as many diverse perspectives of community members as possible. The result was a well-informed grassroots plan and restoration effort unveiling the plan two years later, “offering a once-in-a generation opportunity to reimagine an historic Olmsted Park to serve 21st century Philadelphians,” as stated in the FDR Park Plan. We welcome everyone to experience this amazing multiuse green space for themselves!

“FDR Park’s users represent one of the most diverse cross-sections of Philadelphia found anywhere in the city. It is where immigrant communities, lifelong Philadelphians, and speakers of myriad languages, cultures and backgrounds come together. No matter your heritage, your body type, your income or your ability, FDR Park is home.” - FDR Park Plan

Most weekends from spring through fall, 70 to 80 vendors offer Southeast Asian street food, produce, and other items. It is a can’t-miss foodie experience that you will get a taste of during the Big Bash. The charming American Swedish Historical Museum was built in 1926 to celebrate Swedish heritage and culture in America. Its architectural features are reminiscent of Sweden’s Eriksbergs Slott mansion and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The museum will be open for exploration during the Big Bash, too, so make sure to get your ticket and include a visit to this unique attraction while you’re at the park!

Conference registration is open, with early bird rates available through February 4. Seating at the Opening Plenary is included with registration. The Big Bash is a ticketed event that typically sells out in advance—make sure to add your ticket during registration!