It’s time once again for the latest installment of Marking the Journey, a storymap covering a series of marker trails aimed at telling both familiar and lesser-known stories in Pennsylvania’s history. The series encourage visitors to build a deeper and more meaningful connection to the past during the America250 celebrations.
Our third theme, American Experiment explores how Pennsylvania was central to shaping the ideals of democracy, freedom, and civic participation. Pennsylvanians have continued to champion revolutionary ideas, challenge the status quo, and set precedents for the American nation, defining the ongoing work of building a republic.
The American Experiment explores five markers that illustrate these concepts through significant historical moments:
The 1967 Black Student Walkouts (Philadelphia), one of the earliest youth-led protests of the Civil Rights Movement
Philadelphia student nominators for the 1967 Black Student Walkouts marker pose for a photo with Dr. Walter Palmer, one of the original organizers of the protest. Source: PHMC photo
Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia), an attempt and failure at prison reform
Imposing façade of Eastern State Penitentiary. Source: Carol M. Highsmith – Library of Congress Catalog: http://lccn.loc.gov/2011632222
The Aaronsburg Story (Centre County), a tale of religious and racial tolerance
One of the speakers at the Aaronsburg celebration of American pluralism and religious tolerance was acclaimed African-American diplomat Ralph Bunche. Credit: Max Kade German-American Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University Source: https://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php%3FmarkerId=46.html
Howard Zahniser (Forest County), environmentalist and father of The Wilderness Act of 1964.
The Allegheny National Forest was one of the first protected wildernesses under The Wilderness Act of 1964. Source: Pennsylvania Wilds
Dorothy Mae Richardson (Allegheny County), grassroots organizer who became known as the “Mother of Community Development”
Image 5: PHMC Historical Marker for Dorothy Mae Richardson. Source: PHMC photo
If you’re interested to learn more, we’ve also included a selection of related markers and further reading opportunities.
Prefer something offline? You can download a PDF or print a trail brochure from our website to take with you on the road:
- Download a PDF: American Experiment – PDF
- Download a Print-Friendly Version: American Experiment – Print
We hope you enjoy this third in our four-part series! Check back soon for our final theme: Unfinished Revolutions.
Comment Policy
PHMC welcomes and encourages topic-related comments on this blog. PHMC reserves the right to remove comments that in PHMC’s discretion do not follow participation guidelines.
Commenters and Comments shall be related to the blog post topic and respectful of others who use this site.
Commenters and Comments shall not: use language that is offensive, inflammatory or provocative (this includes, but is not limited to, using profanity, obscene, or vulgar comments); disparage other commenters or people; condone illegal activity; identify the location of known or suspected archeological sites; post personal information in comments such as addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses or other contact details, which may relate to you or other individuals; impersonate or falsely claim to represent a person or an organization; make any commercial endorsement or promotion of any product, service or publication.
If you would like to comment on other topics not related to this blog post but related to PHMC, please fill out the PHMC Contact Us Form.
