In partnership with the 1838 Black Metropolis, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania will host a two-day workshop on the theme of breathing life into the archives, focusing widely on liberation and civil rights histories through several centuries in the Philadelphia metro region. 

​

Historian and artist Nell Irvin Painter will present “Arrived, New Names,” as the keynote address Friday evening. Sharing insights about her artwork focused on William Still’s Journal C of the Underground Railroad, she will set the tone for exploring how creative projects can share complicated and compelling histories. In her talk, she will dive into her research into 19th century anti-slavery movements and the interwoven literary, political, and artistic work of the Black communities.

​

The workshop on Saturday will invite participants to share strategies on how archival collections can be used to reclaim and restore community history, with a focus on our collective knowledge of Black history in Philadelphia. This event convenes teachers, students, docents, volunteers, artists, museum professionals, family historians, and other public history practitioners to learn from and share with one another. Presentations will center public history, its uses, challenges, and applications in the classroom, informal learning spaces and with the public.

​

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing the projects presented at this workshop beyond the event itself.  Selected presenters may have the opportunity to publish their projects in the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography and/or on other HSP and 1838 Black Metropolis platforms. Read more about the special issue commemorating the Pennsylvania Abolition Society's anniversary and the call for papers here.