Philadelphia, PA

Julian Abele Marker
DESCRIPTION: Julian F. Abele (1888-1950) became chief designer of Trumbauer architectural firm in 1906; responsible for designing the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Free Library of Philadelphia; 1st African American to graduate from the U of Pennsylvania School of Architecture and design large buildings in America; few clients knew he was chief designer

ADDRESS: Marker at 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway  MAP

Robert Bogle Marker
DESCRIPTION: Robert Bogle (1774-1848) originated the catering profession in Philadelphia at this site and perhaps, in America; he was often the MC at high society weddings and funerals

ADDRESS: 112 South 8th Street  MAP

Sigma Sound Recording Studios
DESCRIPTION: Most of the fabulous Philadelphia International Records catalog and several Chubby Checker records were recorded here in the 1960s and 70s; the music archives were sold to Drexel University and the company closed.

ADDRESS: 212 North 12th Street  MAP

PARKING: Paid lots nearby

TRANSIT: Market-East SEPTA Station is 3.5 blocks south

Cyrus Bustill Marker
DESCRIPTION: Born into slavery, Cyrus Bustill (1732-1806) risked his life to deliver bread to George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge; although a Quaker, ironically, he donated funds to build St Thomas African Episcopal Church; opened a school for black children at 3rd and Green Streets; was great-great-great grandfather of Paul Robeson; opened a bakery at the address below

ADDRESS: 210 Arch Street  MAP

James Forten Residence
DESCRIPTION: James Forten, Sr.  (1776-1842) established a sail-making business at 95 Wharf Street with blacks and whites in his employ; he was estimated to have amassed more than $100,000 which was equivalent to tens of millions today; an abolitionist active in politics he was a co-founder of the Free African Society in 1787; when British troops threatened Philadelphia in the War of 1812, James Forten, Richard Allen, and Rev Absalom Jones organized 2,000 black men to erect barrier fences at Gray’s Ferry along Schuykill River

ADDRESS: 336 Lombard Street  MAP

Marian Anderson Residence
DESCRIPTION: The magnificent classical singer, Marian Anderson (1897-1993), achieved legend status for her 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial in DC; the concert was held at the memorial because racism prevented her from singing at Constitution Hall; purchased in 1924, this home is filled with memorabilia and rare photos of her concerts; Anderson was proud to call Philadelphia home; tours of the residence by appt only; admission fee, but small children are free

ADDRESS: 725 South Marian Anderson Way (South Martin Street)  MAP

PHONE: 215-732-6723

Christian Street YMCA
DESCRIPTION: 1st YMCA for African Americans contained in its own building, the original structure was dedicated 1914; rebuilt modern facility remains a recreational and educational beacon for the community, as well as a meeting place for many African American organizations

ADDRESS: 1724 Christian Street  MAP

PHONE: 215-735-5800

Pearl Bailey Residence
DESCRIPTION: Pearl Bailey (1918-1990) began her stage career while living in this home; she won Amateur Night the Pearl Theater at 15; chorus girl and vocalist for several bands before moving on to Broadway and Hollywood; filmography includes Carmen Jones, Porgy and Bess, and That Certain Feeling; Pearl stayed active later in life by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theology at Georgetown University in1978

ADDRESS: 1946 North 23rd Street  MAP

Joe Frazier’s Gym
DESCRIPTION: Smoking Joe Frazier was the toast of town for sports fans in the 1970s, when he owned this historic gym

ADDRESS: Broad Street and Glenwood  MAP

Divine Lorraine Hotel
DESCRIPTION: Hypnotically charismatic and one of the most fascinating religious leaders in American history, George “Father Divine” Baker (1882-1965) demanded complete loyalty from his large multi-racial congregation; he channeled their financial gifts into successful businesses, which included the Divine Lorraine Hotel in North Philadelphia and the Divine Tracy Hotel in West Philadelphia

ADDRESS: Broad and Ridge Avenues  MAP

Prince Hall Grand Lodge
DESCRIPTION: Rev Absalom Jones, Warden Richard, and James Forten established Philadelphia’s 1st African Lodge of Free Masons in 1787; the original location was 155 Lombard Street; other lodges were also organized in the city under the charter of Prince Hall; they provided leadership to rally resources for the progress of all African Americans

ADDRESS: 4301 North Broad Street  MAP

First Protest Against Slavery Site
DESCRIPTION: Though the first Africans arrived in Philadelphia in 1634 as free persons, slavery began in Philadelphia when the ship Isabella arrived in 1694; even William Penn was involved in African slave trade; in 1688 a group of German Quakers wrote an elegant protest against “that peculiar American institution” at this site; their protest, fellow abolitionists and persistence led Pennsylvania to pass the first legislation of any state to abolish slavery in 1790

ADDRESS: 5109 Germantown Ave  MAP

Johnson Residence
DESCRIPTION: In the 19th century this house served as a station on the Underground Railroad and meeting place for abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman and William Still; the only Underground Railroad site in the region with an interpretive program open to the public;

ADMISSION: small fee

DAYS & HOURS: tours by appt

ADDRESS: 6306 Germantown Ave  MAP

PHONE: 215-843-0943

John Coltrane Site
DESCRIPTION: John Coltrane (1926-1967) moved to Philadelphia in 1944 where he began his professional career; he cut his professional teeth with Miles, Dizzy, and Thelonius and became a jazz immortal in 1960 when he formed a pioneering group that fused African American, African, and Indian melodic elements; John W Coltrane Society preserves his musical legacy at his former address

ADDRESS: $25

DAYS & HOURS: tours by appt

ADDRESS: 1511 North 33rd Street  MAP

PHONE: 215-763-1118

Paul Robeson Residence
DESCRIPTION: Graduated from Rutgers and Columbia Law School, Paul L Robeson (1898-1976) was awarded eight honorary degrees from institutions at home and abroad; earned fame for his singing of Negro spirituals, stage acting and his unflinching stand against America’s racism; branded an undesirable during the 1950’s for his views, he expatriated to Europe; settled here and lived to see the day when his staunchest critics were branded pariahs

ADDRESS: 4951 Walnut Street  MAP

La Mott, PA

Camp William Penn Headquarters Site
DESCRIPTION: Some of the earliest Black soldiers of the Civil War were trained here; artifacts and photographs from Camp William Penn and the abolitionist movement are displayed in a small museum in an old firehouse; the original schoolhouse is now the La Mott Community Center and Library located at Willow and Sycamore Avenue; appt only

ADDRESS: 1618 Willow Ave 

PHONE: 215-635-7168