NEW PODCAST DROPS TOMORROW 🚨
The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast launches Tuesday, January 6th!
In our very first episode, WMMR Radio Host Marisa Magnatta (@marisamagnatta ) and Meteorologist Nor’easter Nick (@noreasternick ) chat about the first ever balloon flight in America - when a French aeronaut launched a hydrogen-filled silk balloon out of a Philly prison yard. Learn about what made this moment possible, and how it went on to shape both aviation and modern forecasting!
If you love Philly history, untold stories, and the moments that shaped America, this podcast is for you.
Listen to 52 Weeks of Firsts wherever you get your podcasts starting tomorrow, and follow along every week as we uncover more Philly Firsts.
Special thanks to our partners:
@52FirstsPhilly@discover_PHL@phlvisitorcenter@visitphilly@constitutionctr@historicphilly@philaathenaeum
#52FirstsPhilly #PhiladelphiaHistoricDistrict #PhillyFirst #Philly2026
We’re launching 52 Firsts, a yearlong series celebrating the people, places, and moments that made history right here in Philadelphia. 🔔
This updated list highlights all 52 Firsts that will be revealed throughout the year, from world-changing milestones, to everyday moments that shaped the city.
Each week we’ll celebrate a new First and unveil a #1 Sculpture, a physical marker in the city that brings that story to life through local artistry. Follow along with us for stories, weekly community events we’re calling Firstivals, and fun opportunities to experience Philly’s history.
Swipe to see all the Firsts that we’re thanking Philly for and learn more about each at 52FirstsPhilly.com
@discoverPHL@phlvisitorcenter@visitphilly@constitutionctr@historicphilly
#52FirstsPhilly #PhiladelphiaHistoricDistrict #PhillyFirst #Philly2026
Missed today’s event? We recapped it for you! 🏥 Did you know Philadelphia is home to America’s very first hospital?
Founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital helped set the foundation for organized healthcare in the United States. This week’s #1 sculpture honors the legacy of compassion, resilience, and care that continues to impact millions today.
From groundbreaking medicine to the belief that healthcare should serve the community, Philly has been shaping history from the very beginning.
Special thanks to our partners:
@52FirstsPhilly@discover_PHL@phlvisitorcenter@visitphilly@constitutionctr@historicphilly@allthatsgoodpro@muralarts
#52FirstsPhilly #PhiladelphiaHistoricDistrict #PhillyFirst #Philly2026
In Philadelphia, history doesn’t just live here — it begins here. 🔔
In 1751, Ben Franklin helped found the nation’s very first hospital, setting the gold standard for American healthcare in a building that still stands today as a monument to healing and hope. #visitphilly #52WeeksofFirsts
Did you know the first hospital in the United States was founded in Philadelphia?
🩺 PCOM alum Christine “Chris” Palazzolo, DO ’22, shared a look into her day as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital as part of our partnership with @52firstsphilly during America’s 250th anniversary.
Founded in 1751, Pennsylvania Hospital continues to train and inspire future physicians more than 250 years later!
#DITL #America250 #52WeeksOfFirsts
🔥Honoring a Philly First, we’re proud to introduce the artist behind this week’s #1 sculpture, Derrick Ross @realartlifedj
Award winning artist, Derrick Ross, a man from the Philadelphia community. As a father, son, grandson and a leading vessel for so many whose passing will not be forgotten. Derrick was born to be a creator, designer, and an amazing artist. Inspiring audiences by using natural artistic talents and skills, Derrick has beautified multiple areas of Philadelphia with teamwork & mural art. By partnering with City council and nonprofit organizations Derrick’s been able to expand the width of his goal. Establishing safe conditions in our neighborhoods with the expression of calming, peace resolving artwork. Derrick pushes his purpose so that eventually the city will be able to recognize that there’s art in each person. And as a collective, we can be a masterpiece.
This piece commemorates the first hospital in America, honoring the beginnings of organized healthcare and compassion in the nation. The work reflects themes of care, resilience, and service, celebrating the commitment to healing, community well-being, and the enduring human responsibility to care for one another.
See the #1 sculpture for yourself at the Firstival this Saturday, May 16, from 11am-1pm.
📍Firstival Location: Pennsylvania Hospital Museum, 800 Spruce St. (Entrance at 8th and Delancey Streets)
@discover_phl@visitphilly@constitutionctr@muralarts@pcomeducation@phlvisitorcenter@historicphilly
#52firstsphilly
#phillyfirst
🏥 Founded in 1751 by Dr. Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania Hospital became the first hospital in the United States. Created to care for the sick, poor, and mentally ill of a rapidly growing Philadelphia, the hospital introduced one of the earliest public-private healthcare partnerships in America and helped pioneer more humane treatment for patients. From serving as a Revolutionary War medical center to becoming a leading teaching hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital remains one of Philadelphia’s most impactful firsts.
Join us at this week’s Firstival to celebrate this lifesaving piece of Philly history on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍Firstival Location: Pennsylvania Hospital Museum, 800 Spruce St. (Entrance at 8th and Delancey Streets)
@visitphilly@constitutionctr@discover_phl@pcomeducation@muralarts@phlvisitorcenter@historicphilly
#52firstsphilly
#philadelphiahistoricdistrict
#phillyfirst
#philly2026
The first Mother's Day in America wasn't just about flowers and cards, it was about recognition. About finally saying: "you matter".
Host Marisa Magnatta (@marisamagnatta ) sits down with special guest Holly Jones (@hollyharrartv ) , co-host of The Jones Family Playbook, to explore the origins of Mother's Day and what it truly means to be a mom today. Because whether you're raising kids, dogs, plants, or the group chat, you matter too.
New episode now available everywhere!
Special thanks to our partners:
@52FirstsPhilly@discover_PHL@phlvisitorcenter@visitphilly@constitutionctr@historicphilly@allthatsgoodpro@muralarts@jonesfamilyplaybook
#52FirstsPhilly #PhiladelphiaHistoricDistrict #PhillyFirst #Philly2026
NEW EPISODE DROPS TOMORROW 💐
Mother’s Day started right here in Philadelphia…but the woman who created it ended up spending the rest of her life trying to destroy it.
Host Marisa Magnatta (@marisamagnatta ) sits down with journalist, content creator, and new mom Holly Jones (@hollyharrartv ) to unpack the complicated story of Anna Jarvis, the Philadelphia woman who fought to make Mother’s Day a national holiday before protesting the commercialization that transformed it forever.
Special thanks to our partners:
@52FirstsPhilly@discover_PHL@phlvisitorcenter@visitphilly@constitutionctr@historicphilly@allthatsgoodpro@muralarts@jwpeppermusic
#52FirstsPhilly #PhiladelphiaHistoricDistrict #PhillyFirst #Philly2026
💐 Before brunch reservations, flower deliveries, and greeting cards… Philadelphia made history with the nation’s very first public Mother’s Day celebration in 1908.
This week’s #1 sculpture honors the love, strength, and care mothers give every single day. Created by Allegra Yvonne Gia (@youngfoxblood ), the piece celebrates motherhood through a diverse portrayal of women and children, reminding us that maternal love is universal.
Special thanks to our partners:
@52FirstsPhilly@discover_PHL@phlvisitorcenter@visitphilly@constitutionctr@historicphilly@allthatsgoodpro@muralarts
#52FirstsPhilly #PhiladelphiaHistoricDistrict #PhillyFirst #Philly2026
In Philadelphia, history doesn’t just live here — it begins here. 🔔
In 1908, the nation’s very first public Mother’s Day celebration took place at Wanamaker’s Department Store, honoring the women who do it all. #visitphilly #52WeeksofFirsts
