A groundbreaking series of books is offering a fresh perspective on Delaware Valley history, exploring untold stories that stretch from the earliest inhabitants to contemporary times. The University of Pennsylvania Press released three volumes Tuesday, aiming to connect readers with the people, places, and events that have shaped the region over centuries.

The series includes The Greater Philadelphia Region, Greater Philadelphia and the Nation, and Greater Philadelphia and the World. Together, they provide a detailed look at the Delaware Valley’s cultural, social, and political evolution, highlighting stories that have often been overlooked.

Story Highlights

• Three books published to explore Delaware Valley history, culture, and community connections.

• Focus on Lenape people, Quaker migrations, and local responses to epidemics, including COVID-19.

• Organized by time periods, regions, and thematic topics, with maps, illustrations, and supplementary resources.

• Each book approximately 360 pages, priced at $44.95; full set $125.

• Editors aim to foster regional awareness and community engagement beyond local neighborhoods.

Charlene Mires, retired Rutgers University-Camden history professor and co-editor, explained that the books were designed to be accessible for readers from all backgrounds.

“Anyone in the region can find their local area, explore topics like public transportation, and understand how they are connected to the broader Delaware Valley,” Mires said.

She added that understanding these connections could help residents see the challenges facing the region and consider how they might contribute to solutions.

Carolyn Adams, retired professor of geography and urban studies at Temple University and co-editor, emphasized the importance of a regional perspective.

“It’s increasingly important that Philadelphians and people living in the suburbs see themselves as part of a larger metropolitan area, not just their immediate neighborhood,” Adams said.

She noted that in today’s global economy, awareness of how local communities interact with broader social and economic systems is more relevant than ever.

The release of the books also comes as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year. The editors stressed that their volumes aim to expand the narrative beyond the traditional focus on the founding fathers.

“These books introduce readers to lives they may not have encountered before,” Adams said.

“We think we’re adding something meaningful to the city’s celebration, highlighting the diverse communities that have shaped Philadelphia throughout its history.”

Research for the project revealed new insights even for the editors themselves. While studying the Great Wagon Road, Mires discovered that many Quaker communities had been exiled from Philadelphia for their pacifist stance during the American Revolution. Their migration down the historic route created a lasting Quaker presence in the region.

“One thing I didn’t fully appreciate before was how much our regional geography builds on the Lenape people’s trails,” Mires said.

“For the first time, we put together a map of Lenape trails on both sides of the Delaware River. That map shows the earliest footprint of the region, and I’m very proud of that contribution.”

In Greater Philadelphia and the World, the books also examine the region’s response to epidemics, spanning yellow fever, AIDS, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Working on this project, I gained a new understanding of how central county governments were during the COVID epidemic, both in the region and statewide,” Adams said.

Beyond historical understanding, the editors hope the series will inspire readers to see themselves as active participants in the Delaware Valley’s ongoing story.

“At times when people question the role of government, these books show how citizens in the region have taken their futures into their own hands at various points in history,” Adams said.

“That’s a powerful message of hope during uncertain times.”

The three volumes are published in association with the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, produced at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities at Rutgers University-Camden and the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial. Each book includes maps, illustrations, and supplemental reading recommendations. Individually, they are priced at $44.95, while a complete set is available for $125 through the Penn Press website.

With these volumes, readers can explore the layers of Delaware Valley history, from early Native American settlements and Quaker migrations to contemporary challenges, all while gaining a deeper connection to the communities they call home.

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