Capitalism by Gaslight: The Shadow Economies of 19th-Century America
Opening Reception
January 24, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Library Company of Philadelphia
1314 Locust StreetDrawing on books, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, prints, photographs,
and ephemera in the Library Company’s collection, guest curator Wendy
Woloson explores underground urban commerce in the 19th century in our
upcoming exhibition “Capitalism by Gaslight: The Shadow Economies of
19th-Century America.”The exhibition focuses on how many Americans earned their livings
outside the spheres of wholesale and retail commerce, conducting
economic transactions in illicit and semi-legal ways. From
pick-pocketing to gambling, counterfeiting to prostitution, “Capitalism
by Gaslight” describes the myriad ways people participated in an
earlier, shadowy realm of commerce that required a surprising degree of
creativity, cunning, and financial acumen.Click (http://www.librarycompany.
org/events/index.htm ) to register
online for the opening reception or call 215-546-3181.(From H-Pennsylvania)
