Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of America, its influence has remained prominent in shaping the nation the United States has become over the last 250 years. Ahead of the July 4th, 2026 semiquincentennial milestone, KYW Newsradio compiled a feature series profiling trailblazing people - some you’ve probably heard of, others you likely haven’t - whose contributions, courage, and innovation changed lives in Philadelphia, the country, and the rest of the world. Listen as Matt Leon and members of the KYW newsroom highlight “250 Years of Philly Voices.”
00:00 Rundown
02:05 William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad
07:05 Sadie T.M. Alexander: Breaking glass ceilings in education and beyond
12:50 John Bartram: Growing a garden
18:32 Hercules Posey & Oney (Ona) Judge: George Washington’s slaves
22:53 The Bassett family: Still scooping “Philly” style ice cream, six generations later
30:04 Ma McGillin: The woman behind the iconic Olde Ale House
Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.
