I’m Jim Murphy
Author, researcher, story-teller, tour guide.
© Lindy Powers Photography
Enjoy learning about Philly with my new book.
“Real Philly History, Real Fast” covers history unknown to most of us … in short bites. After researching these stories for over ten years, I personally guarantee you will find engaging gems on every page. I wish I had read it before becoming a certified tour guide.
“Real Philly History, Real Fast” is written with today’s readers like you in mind. It’s history for everyone. Short 3-to-5-page chapters on 51 intriguing subjects. Each with an informative headline and sub-head, easy-to-read bullet copy, short, punchy paragraphs, Fast Facts, a photo, and a list of nearby attractions. You get the complete story in minutes.
There’s simply never been another Philadelphia book like this. It’s jam-packed with “wow facts” on every page and covers everything from center city to Ft. Mifflin and the Lazaretto … and from Cliveden in Germantown to Taller Puertorriqueño in Fairhill.
5 surprising things that make Philly different from any other U.S. city!
Started as a “Holy Experiment” in 1682, William Penn’s colony and his city of Philadelphia attracted lovers of religious freedom worldwide. Why?
Blog.
Signers Walk in Philly is missing 13 names … and some portraits have been defaced — literally!
Philly resident replaces missing Pa. historic marker … because the museum commission wouldn’t
Philly's top Colonial builder/architect helped bottle up 250 British supply ships
If he didn't rotate his slaves out of Pa.
every six months … they'd be freed!
Bush Hill, built by Andrew Hamilton, served as a hospital during Philly’s yellow fever epidemic
Andrew Hamilton built both Independence Hall and the reputation of "the Philadelphia Lawyer"
How the First Continental Congress
really ended up in Carpenters’ Hall
3 artists died before it was completed
Recent appearances.
Jim recently appeared on several podcasts to discuss “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
On June 6, 2002, Public Relations Professional, Jim DeLorenzo, interviewed Jim Murphy about his book “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
On Feb. 8, 2022, Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast, spoke with Temple University's Klein College of Media and Communication Professor Christopher Malo.
On Nov. 17, 2021, Jim Murphy spoke to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania about his book “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
During this information Q&A, Jim discussed William Penn's relationship with the Swedes.
Jim Murphy recently appeared on WRDV’s “I Hear America Talking” with Birtan Collier to discuss his new book Real Philly History, Real Fast.
Sam Cohn talks with Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast, an amusing and informative insider’s guide to the Philadelphia history you don’t know.
Jim recently appeared on a podcast with Paul Perrelo, host of “The Philly Factor” to discuss “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
Jim recently met with the Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Preservation Corporation to discuss “The Amazing Success of William Penn.”
Join me Oct. 20 at noon in front of the National Constitution Center