© Lindy Powers Photography
About Jim Murphy.
Jim Murphy is a writer, certified tour guide and Philly resident who lives inside the limits of William Penn’s original, 2-square-mile planned city.
Jim loves to stroll up to Independence Square, sit near the John Barry statue and absorb some of the genius and creativity our Founding Fathers displayed here in our country’s earliest and darkest days.
An amateur historian who walks and researches Philly every day, Jim has organized two birthday parties for William Penn and has developed a free Jane’s Walk on Philadelphia’s founder.
Jim also offers both a zoom and in-person presentation on “The Amazing Success of William Penn” for a fee. And he’s willing to talk at no charge to interested book clubs and bookstore audiences about “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
Jim’s pledges not to let any tour group get out of Philadelphia without learning at least a little about the city’s two superstars Penn and Ben – William Penn and Ben Franklin.
Jim has run his own marketing communications company since 2004, and been a member of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides since 2012.
He’s also written over 60 articles on Philadelphia for community publications. Many of them have been updated for Jim’s book, “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
Jim Murphy is happy to say his book is now for sale at Head House Books, 2nd Street, Queen Village, and Barnes & Noble on Walnut Street, Rittenhouse Square. Just ask for it. Look for it at the City Hall Visitor Center, too!
Recent Appearances
The Amazing Success of William Penn
In this issue of Founders Magazine, author Jim Murphy tells us the story of William Penn. As a man of his time, he had a vision for the perfect society with best intentions for achieving that vision. Yet as we read on, we learn it was a flawed execution from a person who supported slavery.
What I’m Reading
On June 6, 2002, Public Relations Professional, Jim DeLorenzo, interviewed Jim Murphy about his book “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”