The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast
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Podcast Overview
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast uncovers the “firsts” that helped shape the nation—each one rooted in Philadelphia’s remarkable history. Each week, our host sits down with a special guest to explore one groundbreaking first, from the first professional basketball league and the nation’s first zoo, to the first public showing of a motion picture and beyond. Short, lively, and packed with fascinating stories, every episode connects these historic milestones to the present, showing how Philadelphia’s innovations continue to shape our everyday lives.</span></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/5/2026
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Recent Episodes
August 11, 2026
First Zoo in America
This episode tells the story of how a Philadelphia physician, inspired by a single visit to the London Zoo, spent fifteen years – and outlasted a Civil War – to give America its very first zoo. Marisa Magnatta is joined by Dani Hogan, conservation educator and Director of Mission Integration at the Philadelphia Zoo, who helps bring the Zoo's animals and science to the public and has represented it in a national coalition of zoos, aquariums, and museums.
August 4, 2026
First Scientific Society of Natural History
This episode tells the origin story of the Academy of Natural Sciences – the oldest natural science research institution in America, and the place that helped turn “scientist” from an eccentric pastime into a real calling. Host Marisa Magnatta is joined by Amber Redfield, naturalist, paleontologist, and educator for the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
July 28, 2026
First Art School & Museum in America
This episode tells the story of the first art school and museum in America - now known as Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Marisa Magnatta is joined by Leah Triplett, Curator of Contemporary Art at PAFA and co-curator of A Nation of Artists, the landmark new exhibition celebrating American art as the country turns 250.
32 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast?
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast uncovers the “firsts” that helped shape the nation—each one rooted in Philadelphia’s remarkable history. Each week, our host sits down with a special guest to explore one groundbreaking first, from the first professional basketball league and the nation’s first zoo, to the first public showing of a motion picture and beyond. Short, lively, and packed with fascinating stories, every episode connects these historic milestones to the present, showing how Philadelphia’s innovations continue to shape our everyday lives.</span></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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