A Nation Challenged: Museums Respond
A series of programs at museums in the Philadelphia region responding to our nation's crisis. Supported by the Philadelphia History Exhibitions Initiative in cooperation with WHYY

Words Matter: Answers To Crisis From The Marianne Moore Collection And Philadelphia Poets
Through December 31
Special exhibition draws from the collections of the Rosenbach Museum and works by local poets that express how national crises impact the nation. Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2010 DeLancey Place. 215-732-1600. www.rosenbach.org

Understanding Islam
Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 pm
A comparative look at Islam and Judeo-Christian traditions and how extremists misinterpret Islam. Moderated by Roger Allen, University of Pennsylvania. Free. Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High Street, West Chester, 610-692-4800, www.chestercohistorical.org.

The Responsibility Of The Press
Tuesday, December 4, 7:30 pm
How do journalists report on U.S. military actions abroad without compromising national security? A discussion with Lillian Swanson, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Signe Wilkinson, Philadelphia Daily News. Free. Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High Street, West Chester, 610-692-4800, www.chestercohistorical.org.

Echoes And Reflections: Learning From Ethnic Strife In Times Of National Crisis
Saturday, December 8, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Explores nationalism and religious diversity, including Arab and Muslim traditions. Panelists include: Marwan Kreidie, Philadelphia Arab American Association; Sreenath Sreenivasan, South Asian Journalists Association; Kevin Kenny, Professor of History, Boston College; Sumiko Kobayashi, Japanese-American Citizens League. Music by The Fez Tones. Free. Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, 18 S. 7th Street. Presented by the Balch and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 215-732-6200, www.hsp.org; 215-925-8090, www.balchinstitute.org

Representing Islam In America: A Discussion Between An Artist And Historians
Sunday, December 9, 2:30 p.m.
A discussion on contemporary Islam, authenticity and modernity, with a focus on the visual arts and U.S. Islam. Panelists include: Yvonne Haddad, Georgetown University; Renata Holod, University of Pennsylvania; Zarina Hashmi, The New School for Social Research. Free with museum admission. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

Afghanistan: A Cultural Briefing
Sunday, December 9, 2:00 p.m.
A survey of the country, its people and its cultures. Speakers are Fredrik T. Hiebert and Brian Spooner, University of Pennsylvania Museum. Free. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 33rd & Spruce Streets. 215-898-4000. www.upenn.edu/museum

Democratic Institutions And Civil Liberties In Time Of National Crisis
Tuesday, December 11. 7:30 p.m.
Explores the impact of increased national security on our democratic institutions and civil liberties. Presentation by John Turner, West Chester University. Free. Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High Street, West Chester, 610-692-4800, www.chestercohistorical.org.

Helping Young Children Cope With Disaster
Wednesday, December 12, 6:00 p.m.
Panel discussion led by: Ann Adalist-Estrin, Bridges Child and Family Consultation Center; Sally Allen, Rosemont Counseling Associates; Calvin Johnson, Temple Children's Medical Center; Lynne Saunders, Please Touch Museum. Free. Please Touch Museum, 210 N.21st Street, 215-963-0667 www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

American Jews And Muslims Abroad: From The 1840 Damascus Affair To The Aftermath Of September 11
Thursday, December 13, 5:30 pm
Addresses the historical interrelations between the American Jewish community, U.S. foreign policy and foreign Islamic governments and populations. Panelists include: Henry L. Feingold, Baruch College; Lance J. Sussman, Rabbi, Congregation Keneseth Israel; Murray Friedman, Feinstein Center for American Jewish History. Free. National Museum of American Jewish History. 55 N. Fifth Street, 215-923-3811, www.nmajh.org

September 11 Recovery: A Public Forum
Saturday, December 15, 1:00 pm
An intergenerational oral history project will engage youth, seniors and the general public in conversations about September 11 and its aftermath. Moderated by Marie A-T Anderson, Temple University. Free with museum admission. African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, 215-574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org

America As A Super Power: 100 Years Ago And Today
Tuesday, December 18, 5:00- 6:00 pm view exhibition
OLYMPIA: Launching the Century;
6:00 - 7:00 pm, lecture
Co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council
A special exhibit and panel discussion examine the parallels and contrasts between America's role as a world power at the turn of the century and today. Independence Seaport Museum, Penn's Landing at 211 South Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street. Panelists include: Michael T. Klare, Amherst College; Edward A. Turzanski, La Salle University. Free with museum admission. 215-925-5439, www.seaport.philly.com

The Philadelphia History Exhibitions Initiative is a $5.2 million re-grant program established in 1999 by the Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by the Independence Visitor Center Corporation to stimulate innovative history programs and exhibitions in the Philadelphia region.