Press Release

ART AND HISTORY PRESERVE PHILLY’S AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
Cultural Treasures Abound At The Region’s Historic Sites And Cultural Attractions

PHILADELPHIA, February 17, 2006 – Since the 18th century, Philadelphia has been a national center for African American culture. From America’s earliest days when free blacks gathered in Washington Square to practice their African traditions, through the fearsome days of the Underground Railroad to today, Philadelphia’s arts and cultural institutions have preserved and showcased African American heritage. Here’s how:

Museums And Cultural Attractions:

• Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2006, the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) remains among the nation’s premier centers for African American heritage. Four galleries exhibit art and ethnographic treasures from the AAMP’s own collection and from the Smithsonian Institution. A rare Benin bronze oba, collages by Romare Bearden, textiles and artifacts are among the items on display. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org
• Home to one of the world’s finest Impressionist collections, The Barnes Foundation also showcases numerous African sculptures and works by African American artists, including Horace Pippin. Call six to eight weeks ahead for reservations. 300 N. Latch’s Lane, Merion, (610) 667-0290, ext. 5191, www.barnesfoundation.org
• Dramatic glass sculptures symbolize the fragility of freedom at the National Liberty Museum. Displays focus on the accomplishments of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey and Jackie Robinson, among other famous figures. 321 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2800, www.libertymuseum.org
• In addition to The Banjo Lesson by alumnus Henry Tanner, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts exhibits works from the Sorgenti Collection of African American art. Among the featured artists are Moe Brooker, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and Charles Searles. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, www.pafa.org
• African American architect Julian Abele played a key role in the design of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Renowned for its Asian, American, European and modern art, the collection includes works by Henry Tanner, Horace Pippin and Elizabeth Catlett. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

Historic Sites And Attractions:

• The Historical Society of Pennsylvania keeps numerous documents relating to African American history and the Abolitionist movement, including documents by William Still, author of The Underground Railroad. 1300 Locust Street, (215) 732-6200, www.hsp.org
• In the 19th century, Quaker homeowners hid escaped enslaved people in the Johnson House Historic Site. Special events, exhibitions and archeological finds, such as a secret attic door, reveal its role in the Underground Railroad. The house is also a featured stop on the Neighborhood Tourism Network’s Taking a Stand for Freedom tour, offered in spring and fall. 6306 Germantown Avenue, (215) 438-1768, www.johnsonhouse.org
• The Liberty Bell Center’s lively exhibitions and videos show how the Liberty Bell became an anti-slavery symbol. Outside the building are new informational panels that teach about the enslaved Africans who served at the President’s House during George Washington’s tenure and allude to the controversies surrounding the National Park Service’s efforts to tell their stories. 5th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, www.nps.gov/inde
• The Marian Anderson Residence Museum preserves the memory of the famous contralto through memorabilia, rare photos and films about her life. 762 S. Marian Anderson Way (Martin Street), (215) 732-9505, www.mariananderson.org
• Located on the oldest parcel of land under the continuous ownership of African Americans, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church houses an underground museum with sacred artifacts, including Reverend Richard Allen’s original pulpit, personal belongings and crypt. Outside, an historical marker summarizes the church’s history. 419 S. 6th Street, (215) 925-0616, www.motherbethel.org/museum
• Visitors to the National Constitution Center can trace the U.S. Constitution’s evolution through hands-on activities, exhibitions exploring the amendments that banned slavery and opened voting rights and Supreme Court decisions such as Brown vs. Board of Education. Freedom Rising, the dramatic multi-media presentation, takes an honest look at the document’s strengths and weaknesses. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6600, www.constitutioncenter.org
• At the Paul Robeson House, visitors can tour the athlete/scholar/singer/actor/social activist’s last home and learn about his many accomplishments through exhibitions, recordings and personal belongings. 4949-51 Walnut Street, (215) 747-4675, www.wpcalliance.org
• The story of Washington’s Continental Army, which included many soldiers of African American descent, is preserved in Determined to Persevere, an exhibition at Valley Forge National Historical Park’s Welcome Center. The Park is also included in Quest for Freedom, a self-guided African American Heritage driving tour that winds past cemeteries, Quaker meeting houses and Underground Railroad sites. Route 23 & N. Gulph Road, Valley Forge, (610) 783-1077, www.valleyforge.org

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region’s economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.

CONTACT:

Rosalyn McPherson
(215) 563-6042, mcphersonroz@aol.com

Jeff Guaracino, GPTMC
(215) 599-2290, jeff@gptmc.com

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