Why is the African American Museum in Philadelphia located where it is? You might assume it’s placed in the heart of a historically Black neighborhood. But you’d be wrong. This museum stands a stone’s throw from Independence Hall, a powerful juxtaposition. Its very location speaks volumes. The African American Museum in Philadelphia wasn’t always easy to find. Founded in 1976, it was relegated to a space awkwardly tucked behind office buildings. This wasn’t accidental. The original plan was to place it in Society Hill, closer to the historically Black Seventh Ward. But protests erupted from a predominantly white civic association, deeming the museum unsuitable for the neighborhood. The message was clear: Black history, while important to acknowledge, was not welcome in their backyard. Despite these challenges, the African American Museum in Philadelphia persevered. It stands as a testament to the resilience of Black history and culture. The museum holds over 750,000 artifacts: flyers from the Black Panthers, poignant letters from the Civil Rights era, even artifacts from the Ku Klux Klan. Each item resonates with stories of struggle, triumph and the ongoing fight for equality.
Building 662
“Building 662, a sturdy brick structure, stands before you.” “It’s not a grand masterpiece, but a testament to practicality,” “Built