Albert M. Greenfield (1887-1967)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Greenfield created an East Coast business empire here in retail, real estate, hotels, and banks. He supported equality for African Americans and received a papal award for promoting Catholic/Jewish harmony. He championed political reform locally and nationally.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
A prominent figure in Philadelphia's Jewish community, Albert Greenfield built one of the East Coast's great business empires in the first half of the twentieth century, spanning department stores, real estate, hotels, and banks. His wealth made him a power broker in city and national politics, where he championed reform. He also lent his standing to causes beyond commerce, backing equality for African Americans and interfaith understanding between Catholics and Jews.
Why it matters
Greenfield's career shows how a self-made entrepreneur could shape a great American city's economy and civic life while pressing it toward greater tolerance.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall0.7 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.4 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.5 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Burger King0.5 mi away
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.5 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Expressnearby · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center Citynearby · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.1 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.2 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.2 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Albert M. Greenfield
Themes & tags
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