Memory Café - Penn Memory Center

The Penn Memory Center is pleased to invite you to our monthly pop-up café at Christ Church Neighborhood House in Old City. This event is open to older adults and their family caregivers.

Each month features new artistic performances and educational, engaging presentations in a one-hour, free event. Guests add a new experience to their day-to-day lives and connect with others living with cognitive impairment in a safe, social space. Enjoy coffee and conversation at this program that is open to all members of the PMC community.

Questions? Contact Meg Kalafsky at 267-624-4282 or pennmemorycenter@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Upcoming Schedule

Memory Café: Partnered Dancing Workshop

Date: Friday, January 17, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Location: Christ Church Neighborhood House (Great Hall, 2nd floor), 20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 10106.

Connect with your loved ones through the power of partnered dancing in a fun and creative environment. Join professional dancers and instructors from Concierge Ballroom as they guide you through the basics of Merengue. This is an easy and beginner-friendly Latin Dance that will be sure to have everyone grooving to the music!

RSVP for Memory Café: Partnered Dancing Workshop

Memory Café: Penn’s Quaker Notes; A Capella Performance

Date: Friday, February 7, 2025 (Friday, February 21, reserved as the snow date), 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.)

Location: Christ Church Neighborhood House (Great Hall, 2nd floor), 20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 10106.

Join us for a morning of music with the Quaker Notes, University of Pennsylvania’s a cappella all-female identifying group. These creative singers compose and perform all of their own arrangements in a variety of contemporary music from all genres. This performance is sure to hit a chord with guests!

RSVP for Memory Café: Penn’s Quaker Notes; A Capella Performance

Memory Café: Abstract Art Workshop

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.)

Location: Christ Church Neighborhood House (Great Hall, 2nd floor), 20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 10106.

Come along as we dive into the world of Abstract Expressionist art and create something unique!

Are you a lover of abstract art or interested in learning more about it? At this Memory Cafe, join Philadelphia artist Tom McCloskey for a discussion of the works of abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Helen Frankenthaler. Also, supplies will be provided for you to create an individual abstract artwork during the event.

RSVP for Memory Café: Abstract Art Workshop

Memory Café: Lest We Forget Slavery Museum Presentation

Date: Friday, April 11, 2025, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.)

Location: Christ Church Neighborhood House (Theater, 4th floor), 20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 10106.

Join Gwen Ragsdale, Executive Director and Co-Curator of the Lest We Forget Slavery Museum, for a captivating historical talk on the harsh realities of slavery faced by Africans brought to America.

RSVP for Memory Café: Lest We Forget Slavery Museum Presentation

Memory Café: Birding for Well-being

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Location: Visitor’s Center, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia. Guide Holly Merker and Penn Memory Center personnel will be on-site to greet all beginning at 10:30 a.m.

By practicing simple mindfulness and nature-observation techniques, we can strengthen our connection to the birds and natural world around us, amplifying the benefits for our mind, body, and spirit. Join Holly Merker in this soothingly guided experience, designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all. No previous experience in mindfulness or birdwatching is necessary – all are welcomed!

RSVP for Memory Café: Birding for Well-being