Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Explore the Center City Philadelphia streets that housed a thriving metropolis of free Black Philadelphians nearly 200 years ago.Based on the 1838 Census of the Free Black community in HSP’s collection, this walking tour will explore the Center City Philadelphia streets that housed a thriving metropolis of free Black Philadelphians nearly 200 years ago. It revealed almost 19,000 free Black people who created 16 churches, 23 public and private schools, 80 beneficial societies, 300 Black owned businesses and possessed over $40,000,000 in wealth. Join members of the Black Docent Collective to walk through the spaces where people lived, worshipped, attended

This panel of leading historians will discuss how Black Philadelphia became a political powerhouse in the twentieth century.This seminar features cutting edge scholars drawing on their contributions to If There Is No Struggle There is No Progress: Black Politics in Twentieth-Century Philadelphia. This publication offers the first in-depth historical analysis of African American politics in Philadelphia throughout the twentieth century. The speakers' presentations will bring together fresh insights on the intersection of race, gender, class, and politics in the making of Philadelphia’s Black community today. Activism throughout the twentieth century made Philadelphia a crucial site for the development of Black

Join us for an African American genealogy presentation focusing on traditional research and genetic genealogy (DNA) research methodologies.Co-hosted by the African American Genealogy Group Professional genealogist Adrienne Abiodun will describe potential avenues for overcoming unique research challenges typically encountered within African American family history research. By sharing complex research findings from her own family tree, Abiodun will demonstrate how DNA testing can lend itself to new genealogical discovery in this engaging program that is both story-telling and process. This program will touch upon the following topics:Ways to participate in African American genealogical researchCommon research misconceptions and actual challengesOld and new

Join us for a film and community conversation about the origins of Juneteenth and other Black commemorations of emancipation.Co-hosted with the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, University of PennsylvaniaProduced by Annenberg Classroom, the film Juneteenth: Exploring Freedom’s Stories explores the history of Juneteenth and illustrates how and why freedom and citizenship were intertwined, as well as how the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution changed and expanded the definition of citizenship and the rights of all American citizens. Following a screening of the film, HSP will host a community conversation with Philadelphia-based

Learn about the public art and historic properties in Rittenhouse Square, then see the original documents at the Historical Society of PA.Rittenhouse Square, established in William Penn’s original plan for the city but developed 200 years later in the 19th century, has long been a gathering place for city dwellers of all ages and interests. Featuring public art sculptures set amid designed spaces by architect Paul Cret, the paths and grassy areas attract artists, photographers, families and vendors. Join education staff from the Association for Public Art and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to learn about the early development of

Archives offer endless inspiration for artists’ work. Hear from two who have collaborated on a new print based in HSP’s collection.Artist Mel Edwards has drawn inspiration from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s collections. In collaboration with Raven Fine Art Editions, Edwards has created Vision and Purpose I, II, III, and IV, a serigraph art print. In creating the work, Edwards made use of HSP’s collections related to Father Divine (1877-1965), a religious leader and founder of the International Peace Mission. Join us as Raven founder and artist Curlee R. Holton discusses the project with Edwards, sharing insights on how contemporary

Join Matthew Skic, curator of Museum of the American Revolution’s Black Founders, to learn how archives help shape a museum exhibition.The documents held in archives like HSP not only provide valuable information for researchers, the objects themselves often become valuable storytelling tools in museum exhibitions. Matthew Skic, Curator of Exhibitions at the Museum of the American Revolution, will share the research and discoveries behind the Museum’s special exhibit Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia. The exhibition brings together - for the first time - more than 100 historical artifacts and documents to tell the inspiring story of free Black

Discover the possibilities of National History Day Philadelphia and how 2024 can be a turning point for your students.Join us for the National History Day Philadelphia 2024 Kickoff as we celebrate the new season and its theme, Turning Points in History! Whether you have participated in NHD Philly in the past or are interested in learning about how to introduce this award-winning program to your school and students, the Kickoff will allow you to immerse yourself in the incredible possibilities of National History Day. Featuring a hands-on workshop and representatives from cultural institutions, libraries, and archives from across Philadelphia, this

Connect with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's education team to discuss the return of on-site field trips for grades 4-12.On-site field trips for students in grades 4-12 are once again being offered at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania! This meet-up is the chance for previous and newly interested volunteers to connect with the HSP education team to discuss how we can continuously work to improve the experiences of students at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Our team of dedicated volunteers have been integral to field trips in the past, and we are excited to welcome back those individuals who have

Learn about the evolution of Philadelphia's government over nearly 350 years.Over the course of its nearly 350 year history, Philadelphia's government has undergone significant change. Join us for an exploration of this history with political scientist Richardson Dilworth as he unravels the evolution of the city's government.Discover the stories of reformers who reshaped Philadelphia's purpose and governance, challenging the established "corrupt machine" and vying for control through elections. Dive into pivotal moments, from the 1885 city charter overhaul to the emergence of the Republican machine and the city's shift to a Democratic stronghold in the 1950s, marked by profound racial

Join artist Xenobia Bailey as she exposes the deferred historical achievements of Philadelphia's Radical Black Elite from the early 1800s.The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Association for Public Art, is delighted to host artist Xenobia Bailey as its 200th Anniversary signature talk for the theme Soul of America: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts. Ms. Bailey, a fiber-artist, crocheter, designer, researcher, and cultural activist, describes her creative practice and talk as such:“I seek the continuum of the aesthetic of ‘Funk’ and material culture across African American communities – from contemporary homemakers, caregivers, and domestic workers to early Free

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) continues its 200th Anniversary programming with the next of five themed exhibits celebrating its diverse collection of documents and art reflecting our national history. In partnership with Independence Historical Trust (IHT), “All View It As An Object of High Importance”: Banking in the Early Republic is on display at HSP from April 16 through May 31. The exhibit highlights innovations and experiments in banking institutions in Revolutionary and early America and supports the second anniversary pillar of the year, ‘Americans and Innovation: Science, Technology, and Enterprise.’ A public reception unveiling the new exhibit takes

Join Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Signe Wilkinson as she explores the role of satire in discussions of contemporary events.To mark its 200th Anniversary, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is delighted to host Pulitzer Prize - winning editorial cartoonist Signe Wilkinson. Ms. Wilkinson will deliver a talk entitled “Can She Say That? Signe Wilkinson Cartoons A Man’s World”, providing an overview of her own career and the history of political cartooning. This event serves as the celebratory reception to debut the exhibit Cartoons as Political Speech in Colonial and Contemporary America. Organized by Dr. David R. Brigham, HSP’s Librarian and

Join the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP), in partnership with the Taller Puertorriqueño, as they host Juan González, the 200th Anniversary signature speaker for the theme America's Promise and Its Many Voices. In the talk, González explores the history of Puerto Rican migration from the island to Pennsylvania, delving into the economic, social, and political factors driving these migrations, highlighting personal stories and community impact, and examining Puerto Rico's complex role within the United States and its effects on migration. González is an award-winning journalist and investigative reporter who spent 29 years as a columnist for the New York Daily