In my short time as an archaeologist working in southeast Pennsylvania, I’ve learned that every basement, crawl space, and root cellar older than 1860 was at one time, a stop on the Underground Railroad (UGRR). This of course is not … Continue reading
Category Archives: Black History Month
Historic Eden Cemetery: Preserving Memory and Protecting Legacy
The creation of Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Delaware County was a collaborative effort by African Americans to provide a sanctuary in the Philadelphia area where African Americans could be buried with dignity and respect.
Resource Round-up: PHMC’s Resources for Studying Pennsylvania’s African American History
In honor of national African American history month, I thought I would give our readers a glimpse into a few of the resources PHMC has to help study African American historic places in Pennsylvania.
Showing the Love for Crawford Grill No. 2, a Once Swinging Hot Spot in Pittsburgh
Like many urban areas, Pittsburgh had a vibrant nighttime music scene presenting fabulous music of all genres. But it was jazz music that flowed freely from one major venue, the Crawford Grill. In our second post this Black History Month, … Continue reading
Offbeat Outing: The Green Book in Philadelphia
Some of my colleagues are known to check their Facebook accounts while they drink their morning coffee, and on more than one occasion that has resulted in a Facebook message or email with the subject line “I have a great … Continue reading
Studying African American history in Pennsylvania
February is national African American history month. All over the country, communities are discovering, celebrating, and acknowledging the places that tell the stories of African American history and experience. This is the perfect time for us to talk about one … Continue reading
Three Centuries of the Dennis Farm: Looking Forward, Part 2
This week’s post is Part 2 of the Dennis Farm SHPO Shout Out. If you missed Part 1 last week, go back and read it before enjoying this one!
Three Centuries of the Dennis Farm: Looking Forward, Part 1
This month I am switching up our usual format to provide you with a two-part Shout Out about the great work happening at the Dennis Farm, an 18th century African American farm in northeastern Pennsylvania. It makes sense to learn … Continue reading
Unearthing the Forgotten Past at Pandenarium, Site 36ME0253
Growing up in a small northwestern Pennsylvania town, I always assumed that while our local history was important to us – it didn’t always carry the same import to the world beyond. As so often happens, I was wrong and, … Continue reading
Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Pennsylvania’s Boxing History
On February 5, 2013, the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board gave their support to heavyweight boxer Joe Frazier’s Philadelphia gym for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. That’s one step closer to official recognition for not just the man … Continue reading