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February 2008 Article 2 |
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African American Historical Sites in Philadelphia
In this Black History month article we will focus on the historical sites relevant to black history here in Philadelphia. For centuries Philadelphia has been known as an important center for African American history and culture. In the 18th century, Philadelphia had the largest free black population and was the center of the abolitionist movement, and it holds true today, since Philadelphia still has one of the largest African American populations in the country. Visitors with a particular interest in African American history can visit notable historic sites and cultural institutions.Some of these historical sites include the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Freedom Theatre, the Mother Bethel African Methodist Church , Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia, and South Street. It is not uncommon for the relevance of these sites to go unnoticed because at first glance these sites seem to be just another landmark in Philadelphia; however, I must ask you… Did you know that?
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the country's first major museum devoted specifically to African-American history and traditions.
Freedom Theatre - African-American theater finds vivid expression at this theater on the northern reaches of the Avenue of the Arts.
Mother Bethel African Methodist Church - Spend a Sunday at the oldest African-American church in the world.
South Street - WEB DuBois' ground-breaking 1899 work "The Philadelphia Negro" focused on the Seventh Ward--of which this stretch of South Street was a major portion.
Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia - Founded in 1888 by veteran Union Army, Navy and Marine Corps officers, it is the oldest chartered Civil War institution in the United States with a library of more than 7,000 volumes that constitutes one of the foremost collections of material related to the Civil War, and the individuals involved in it, in the United States. This museum maintains the largest single assemblage of Civil War related material outside government institutions.
African American Museum In Philadelphia (AAMP) - The AAMP was the first museum built by a major U.S. city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans.
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.
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