Society Hill in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John Nepomuk Maelzel

(1772 - 1838)

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

1. John Nepomuk Maelzel Marker

Inscription. German-born inventor and showman; exhibited nearby at Maelzel's Hall, 1826-1831, assisted by Wm. Schlumberger. His Automaton Chess Player (The Turk) was famous for games with Franklin & Napoleon. He patented a metronome; made hearing aids for Beethoven.

Erected 2004 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 56.815′ N, 75° 8.985′ W. Marker was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It was in Society Hill. Marker was at the intersection of 5th Street and St. James Place, on the left when traveling north on 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. St. Thomas' African Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); Original Cobblestone (within shouting distance of this marker); Insurance Company of North America

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Rose Garden (about 300 feet away); Walnut Street Prison (about 400 feet away); Magnolia Garden (about 400 feet away); Secretary of the Navy’s Office Site (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . . John Nepomuk Maelzel - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Additional commentary.
1. Marker missing?
I believe the marker is gone now. The NW corner has a new building on it, and I could not find the marker when going to the location in person or on Google Street View. I would love to see the marker, so if anyone knows its new location (or if there is a way to ask for it to be put back) please let me know!

— Submitted May 23, 2023, by Susan Roth of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Marker looking south on 5th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

2. Marker looking south on 5th Street

St. Thomas' African Episcopal Church marker is in the background under the tree.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,159 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.