Black History Month Celebrations around Philadelphia
January 26, 2016
The Cecil B. Moore mosaic is a part of Cecil B. Moore Station along the Broad Street Line.
Updated on February 5, 2016
Philadelphia has long been known as an important center for African American history and culture. This was true in the 18th century when Philadelphia had the largest free black population and was the center of the abolitionist movement, and it holds true today, as Philadelphia is led by its third African American Mayor, Michael Nutter, and a new generation of professionals. The following are destinations that offer a look into the Philadelphia story that began centuries ago:
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Come explore the first museum built by a major city to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. The core exhibit, Audacious Freedom, highlights the contributions of African Americans in Philadelphia from 1776 - 1876. The four exhibition galleries keep history alive. SEPTA Routes: 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 47, 47m, 48, 61, 62, Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line (spur)
African American Iconic Images Collection Trolley Tours with the Mural Arts Program
This special mural trolley tour of of the Albert M. Greenfield African American Iconic Images Collection is presented by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and the African American Museum of Philadelphia. Tours will depart from the African American Museum on Feb 6 (10a - 12n) and Feb 21 (1p - 3p), and will be ked by experienced tour guides. SEPTA Routes: 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 47, 47m, 48, 61, 62, Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line (spur)
Black History Month at the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center hosts a celebration of African-American history during Black History Month and offers free admission on Monday, February 15. Activities include Breaking Barriers, an interactive show which spotlights the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson and other notable African-Americans. Other highlights include an Emancipation Proclamation workshop and self-guided tours that emphasize important moments in African-American history. SEPTA Routes: 17, 38, 47, 48, 57, Market-Frankford Line.
The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent
The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent's Collection contains approximately 600 artifacts relating to black history in the city. These items, each with their own story, are part of a broader narrative about the historical African American experience in Philadelphia. SEPTA Routes: 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 47, 47m, 48, 61, 62, Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line (spur)
Museum of African American Slavery: Lest We Forget
Features the most extensive collection of slavery artifacts, Jim Crow memorabilia and information ever assembled for public examination. SEPTA Routes: 25, 73
Founded by Richard E. Allen, a freed slave, the Church is home to the Richard Allen Museum, overflowing with historical documents and artifacts. Mother Bethel AME was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, foundation for the second Prince Hall Masonic Temple, and home of the first African American Boy Scout Troop.SEPTA Routes: 12, 40, 47, 57
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The society contains numerous documents relating to African American history and the anti-slavery movement. It also houses several documents by William Still, one of the most successful African Americans in Philadelphia's history and author of The Underground Railroad.SEPTA Routes: 4, 9, 12, 21, 23, 27, 32, 42, Broad Street Line
Johnson House Historic Site In the 19th century, the Johnson House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and a meeting place for abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman and William Still. The house is one of the only Underground Railroad sites in the region with an interpretive program open to the public. SEPTA Routes: 23
Library Company of Philadelphia Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, the Library Company of Philadelphia is the nation's first cultural institution providing thorough collections of rare books, manuscripts and prints. The Library Company has one of the most comprehensive collections by and about African Americans which pre-dates the Civil War. SEPTA Routes: 4, 9, 12, 21, 23, 27, 32, 42, Broad Street Line
Marian Anderson Historical Residence
The first residence purchased by Marian Anderson in 1924 is filled with memorabilia and rare photos of the singer. Tours by appointment.SEPTA Routes: 17, 40
Paul Robeson Home & Historic Marker
Robeson's former home is now a museum where his sheet music, period furnishings and photographs are displayed. Tours by appointment. SEPTA Routes: 21, 31, 42, 52, 64, Market-Frankford Line
Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper
Founded in 1884, the Tribune is America's oldest and Greater Philadelphia's largest newspaper serving the African American community. Historic overview available upon request.SEPTA Routes: 2, 4, 27, 32, 40, Broad Street Line
The President's House (Independence National Historical Park)
In the 1790s, at the President's House location at Sixth and Market Streets, Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived and conducted their executive branch business. Washington brought some of his enslaved Africans to this site and they lived and toiled with other members of his household during the years that our first president was guiding the experimental development of the young nation toward modern, republican government.SEPTA Routes: 17, 21, 42, 33, 38, 44, 48, Market-Frankford Line
Black History Month at the The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Lectures, music, masquerades, and art will be on display the first two weeks of Black History Month as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts celebrates pivitol African-American artist Norman Lewis. SEPTA Routes: 17, 33, 48, Broad Street Line
Black History Month at the Penn Museum
Join the Penn Museum on Feb 12 (7p - 10p) for a presentation my University of Pennsylvania students: Black History Month Community Showcase: #BlackLivesMatter. Programs through the month include exploring African textiles, sculptures, masks and a range of other artifacts from the continent. SEPTA Routes Market-Frankford Line, Regional Rail (Airport Line, Media/Elwyn Line, Wilmington/Newark Line), Trolley (10, 11, 13, 34, 36)
There are so many ways to celebrate and commemorate Black History in Philadelphia. SEPTA gets you there.
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