From The Calendar
125 Stories: The Lives of Fleisher
In honor of Fleisher’s 125th anniversary, we have adapted the format of a parlor game popularized in the late 1800s—during the same period that Samuel Fleisher founded the Graphic Sketch Club, which would later become Fleisher Art Memorial—to create The Fleisher Questionnaire. Excerpts from the responses, which touch on everything from favorite Fleisher moments to ideas of a perfect Philly day, will be featured throughout 2023 as we celebrate the many dimensions of FAM as well as our community members.
What’s Happening at Fleisher
Anniversary news, gems from the archive, upcoming events and exhibitions, program highlights, new offerings, and more!
The Fleisher Years
Join us for a deep dive into FAM's archives and history, unfolding over the course of our anniversary year. Explore recent chapters to learn more about Fleisher's past, scroll down to subscribe to our mailing list, and stay tuned for expanding content as we celebrate significant milestones leading to the present.
1871
Samuel Stuart Fleisher is born to German Jewish immigrant parents, the third child of Simon B. Fleisher (who with his brother, Moyer Fleisher, built the Fleisher Yarn Company)
1881
Dr. Henry Robert Percival assumes leadership as rector of the Church of the Evangelists on Catharine Street
1885-6
The 1830s church is torn down and a new church, design by Baker and Dallet of Furness, Evans & Co. is built
1892
Samuel Fleisher graduates from Wharton and joins the family business
1898
Samuel Fleisher establishes the Graphic Sketch Club at the Jewish Union Building at 422 Bainbridge Street
1903
Dr. Percival passes away; Dr. Charles Wellington Robinson becomes new rector at the Church of the Evangelists
1906
Graphic Sketch Club moves to 740 Catharine Street to meet growing demand for classes; Dr. Wellington founds St. Martin's College for Indigent Boys at 713-15 Catharine Street
1911
Church of the Evangelists and St. Martin's College close
1916
Fleisher acquires new space across the street in former St. Martin's College for Indigent Boys for Graphic Sketch Club
1922
Fleisher acquires adjacent Church of the Evangelist sanctuary
1923
Samuel Fleisher wins The Philadelphia Award
1944
Fleisher passes away, leaving his estate in trust to the PMA and the Graphic Sketch Club becomes Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial
1946
Summer program established
1958
Fleisher Art Memorial purchases 721 Catharine Street
1978
The Challenge Exhibition Series, now known as the Wind Challenge, begins
1981
Fleisher Art Memorial purchases 709 Catharine Street
1982
Fleisher Art Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Louis Kahn Lecture Room, designed by Siah Armajani, is installed
1983
Fleisher becomes an independent non-profit
1990
Founder's Award established in honor of Samuel Fleisher's vision
1997
Fleisher's Community Partnerships in the Arts (CPA) program is established
2001
Fleisher Art Memorial purchases 705 Christian Street (now known as the Works on Paper Building)
2002
The first Print Love-In, in collaboration with Prints for Progress, occurs
2004
"Dear Fleisher, 4 x 6 inches of art" exhibition program begins
2005
Marker installed by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
2008
Teen Lounge program established
2012
Fleisher launches ColorWheels; Fleisher partners with La Calaca Flaca to host annual Día de los Muertos celebration
2018
Fleisher collaborates with Woman Organized Against Rape (WOAR) and VietLEAD on Bring Your Own Project
2019
Fleisher launches JumpstART workshops
2021
Fleisher re-establishes an archives program
2021-2
Fleisher partners with Casa de Venezuela and Modero & Company to present 360 Culture Lab
2022
Monica Zimmerman announced as new Executive Director
2023
FAM celebrates 125 years!
