Voices of History Philadelphia

Voices of History Philadelphia is part of PA Humanities’ statewide Voices of History: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians project, a first-of-its-kind effort to collect and celebrate the stories, family histories, struggles, and triumphs of Black Pennsylvanians in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Photo by John L. Puckett

Voices of History: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians is a statewide effort by PA Humanities to collect, preserve, and share the stories of Black residents. The project highlights personal memories, family histories, challenges, accomplishments, and community life in the 20th and 21st centuries—preserving voices that are often left out of traditional historical records.

In 2026, as part of the 250th anniversary of America, Philadelphia joins Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Erie as the latest host city for Voices of History.

Voices of History Stories

Community Partners

Each of the four Voices of History Philadelphia partners will host community story circles inviting people to share a story about a particular place, person, object, or personal memory that defines their family. Selected participants will return at a later date to have their stories professionally recorded. Stories will be added to a growing digital archive accessible to the public.

Paul Robeson House & Museum
- 4951 Walnut Street
Marian Anderson Historical Society & Museum
- 762 S. Martin Street
Friends of the Henry O. Tanner House
- 2908 West Diamond Street
Historic Germantown
- 5501 Germantown Avenue

Do you have a story to share?

PA Humanities is looking for stories nearby to our community partners.

Share with us about a special memory, personal experience, or a cherished keepsake that captures the spirit of your family’s journey.

Inspired by the storytelling traditions of legendary playwrights like August Wilson, Voices of History follows a structured process:

Community Story Circles

Residents gather to share personal memories related to family, work, and migration.

Professional Video Recording

Select stories are professionally recorded and enriched with historical photos.

Community Watch Events

Public screenings bring communities together to celebrate and discuss the shared histories.

Digital Archive

Stories will be preserved in an accessible digital repository, ensuring long-term public engagement.

Partners

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Black Scranton Project

Black Scranton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and local heritage initiative dedicated to archiving and celebrating Black history and culture of the Scranton, PA region. The Black Scranton Project aims to uplift the creative and cultural spirit in the Scranton area by supporting community artistic and ethnic representation in an effort to elevate the core of neighborhood culture.

The Black Scranton Project exposes our community to the historic narratives of the African American community of Scranton, PA and cultivates awareness and unity through arts and public history.

Funders