(In)Visible Architects of Freedom Digital Archive

Primary sources, maps, timelines, and other educational resources for use in your classroom!

Explore this database of sources dating from the 1600s with the initial intent to capture, traffic, and enslave African people in Lënapehòkink, later known as Philadelphia, through the 1800s.

Primary sources include petitions, newspaper articles, letters, objects, friendship albums, and images organized by eras, people, places, and events.

 

• 

  Primary Sources

  Click here to see the collection of primary sources divided into 5 eras, between first contact and 1900. Image: Public domain.

• 

  Maps

  Explore maps featuring the locations of Black Americans & institutions they built in early America. Image: research by Drs. Smith & Sivitz.

• 

  Timeline

  Learn more about the establishment of the Black American community in Philadelphia during the nation's founding. Image: Public domain.

• 

  Primary Source Analysis Worksheets

  Click here to view worksheets on how to analyze a document, image, and artifact with your students. Image: Schomburg Center.

• 

  Self-Guided Walking Tour

  Take a stroll through the park to find evidence of Black history and communities. Visit one stop or see them all. Image: TU Urban Archives.

• 

  Bibliography

  Explore the archives, books, and articles utilized in the creation of this digital archive. Image: Schomburg Center.

 

Please note:

• The collection is still growing. We will continue to conduct research about Black history in Philadelphia and add to this collection.
• If you know about a primary source related to Black Philadelphia history that we do not offer, please let us know by using the "Contact Us" link below.
• The documents in our collection come from multiple sources of varying quality. Please let us know if you have a better copy to share.
• Some files are not provided because they have not been digitized, but we do share any information about the sources. Please consult your local school, library, or institution.

This project was made possible through generous support from the Mellon Foundation in partnership with National Park Foundation and American Conservation Experience.