What: Ford Explorers, one of Haverford’s newest clubs, leads outings of small groups of students into Philadelphia to introduce them to the rich variety of neighborhoods and activities available in America’s fifth largest city (a mere eight miles from campus). The club prides itself on its role in helping to familiarize first-years, those new to Philly, and adventurous city-lovers with the urban mecca in Haverford’s backyard. Besides this primary goal, the club also seeks to help orient Fords to public transit. “Every time we take a trip,” said co-head Colin Fredrickson ’20, “we give [each student] SEPTA keys with $12 dollars, enough for two round trips.” These public transit funds provided by the College have enabled the club to take a variety of exciting trips to neighborhoods beyond Center City: from Fishtown and Germantown in the north to Passyunk, Queen Village, and Bella Vista in South Philly. The club hopes to teach the students they chaperon that “Philadelphia is bigger than just Center City,” according to fellow co-head Conor Stuart Roe ‘20.
Who: The club was founded in 2016 by five co-heads: Colin Fredrickson ‘20, Conor Stuart Roe ’20, Seher Sethi ’18, Mary Beth Melso ’18, and Esme Trontz ’18.
When: Ford Explorers hold monthly trips into Philadelphia, exploring everything from neighborhoods, bookstores, museums, art galleries, cafes, thrift stores, and more. Their most recent trip to Germantown included stops at the Germantown White House, former residence of George Washington; Vernon Park, site of a Revolutionary War battle; and Tulpehocken Street, where they stopped to admire the beautiful architecture. Up next is a trip to West Philadelphia which will include visits to Philadelphia’s Institute of Contemporary Art, Brown Sugar Bakery, and Federal Donuts, and will conclude with a tour of local murals.
Did you know: For Halloween, the group took a spooky trip to Center City, featuring a visit to the Mütter Museum, ghost stories in Fairmount Park, and a tour of the “Terror Behind the Walls” haunted house at Eastern State Penitentiary, which once housed Al Capone.