March 2026

Designing for the Dead

How We Memorialize Those We’ve Lost

Presentation: Join us and historian Thomas H. Keels for an illustrated journey through Philadelphia’s death practices and funerary architecture—from the simple rituals of the Lenni Lenape to today’s green burials. Discover how cemeteries like Laurel Hill inspired ornate monuments and how famed architects, including LeBrun, Furness, Trumbauer, and Cret shaped the city of the dead.

Presenter: Mr. Keels is the author of seven books on local history, including Philadelphia Graveyards and Cemeteries. He is a lecturer, writer, and commentator specializing in Philadelphia history and architecture and has appeared in numerous documentaries. For many years, Tom was a Contributing Writer for the Rittenhouse Sq. Revue, writing monthly articles on Philadelphia Landmarks and lore.   A tour guide at Laurel Hill Cemetery for 30 years, he is a proud taphophile—lover of graves.

Host: Charlotte Biddle

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Note: This presentation will be IN-PERSON only, and NOT on Zoom. It will be recorded for immediate posting on the club’s YouTube Channel