Welcome to the Association of Philadelphia Tourguides (APT), officially founded in January 2009.  APT is open to professional and volunteer tour guides, docents, public historians, and re-enactors, as well as enthusiasts for the city’s history, architecture and culture.  Organizations involved in Philadelphia’s bustling hospitality and tourism industry are also welcome in the Association of Philadelphia Tourguides.

The Association’s chief ongoing project is the development of a basic study guide for 140+ Philadelphia sites, monuments and historic figures.  Once this is finished, it will serve as a reference document for tour guides in the city.  APT is committed to enhancing the overall quality of the visitors’ experience.

Members normally meet at 7:00 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Pickwick Room of the Dark Horse Inn at Head House Square on 2nd St. The meetings provide opportunities to collaborate and share our collective knowledge.  We start with a ten-minute talk on a Philadelphia feature -- everything from 18th century tax policy, the history of firemarks, or “beer and colonial drinking habits” to historic sites like St. George’s Methodist Church. 

You are welcome to enjoy the company of our convivial members, whether or not you become a member of APT.  If you  choose to join during this inaugural year, the annual dues for individuals are $20.  Contact any of the officers if you would like further information on the Association of Philadelphia Tourguides.

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, September 1: (NOTE THE DATE CHANGE - Sept. 8 is Rosh Hashanah) Michael Coard and several members of ATAC (Avenging the Ancestors Coalition) will be speaking to us about what's going on at the Presidents' House Site.  The site is due to open in November, and the membership will no doubt have lots of questions about the site and its interpretation to ask our speaker! 7 PM at the Dark Horse Pub.

October 6: APT Meeting at the Philadelphia Historic Neighborhood Consortium's Open House, 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Federal Reserve Building, 6th and Arch St. This Open House will have hors-d'oeuvres and representatives from the PHNC and invited members of the hospitality and tourism industry. The Open House will take the place of our normal October monthly meeting.