Festival Schedule
Explore the four day schedule of free events, public installations, and projects created by artists, historians, cultural workers and neighborhood organizations committed to honoring the culture and community of North Philadelphia. The North Philadelphia History Festival is now over, and we welcome you to explore the gallery page for photo documentation of the Festival.
Multi-Day Installations and Exhibitions
Projects running continuously or at select times across all four days of the festival.
Experience muthi reed’s exploration of Black North Philadelphia and those who migrated from the American South, defining what it is today.
it be your own people
Come see this artistic expression of community frustration and unity by Pepón Osorio.
Jacob (Video Detail of the Installation reForm)
Come see this living gallery of the Tanner Family House. Past, Present, and Future.
(Return Home) Installation w/ Friends of the Tanner House
See the Pyramid Club – a cornerstone of Philadelphia Black culture – through the lens of John W. Mosley.
The Pyramid Club: Black Leisure and Cultural Empowerment
Experience this public outdoor video installation on the marquee of the historic Uptown Theater.
Tenants of Lenapehocking in the Age of Magnets
Travel back over twenty years to North Philadelphia’s Barber’s Hall and its iconic jazz scene.
Old School Philly: Reminiscing with Dottie Smith Gayle's Jazz Community
Thursday, July 24th
Come together for this exploration of North Philly community memory and culture through oral history.
We Remember and We Recall: Oral History Listening Room
Hear from experts and community members shaping what it means to protect Black Historic Districts.
In Pursuit of Preservation: A Community Conversation for our Black Historic District
We invite you to an opening reception honoring Dottie Smith Gayle and Philadelphia's golden age of jazz.
RECEPTION: Old School Philly at New Barber's Hall
Friday, July 25th
Jubilee students present their version of the Freedom Library honoring Dr. John Churchville
Return of the Freedom Library
Join us in this musical celebration of North Philadelphia’s jazz history and culture!
Black Buttafly & The Nu School Collective: Jam Session Tribute to Grover Washington Jr.
Listen and watch as North Philly elders share the history and heart of their blocks.
My Story, My Block
Leslie Willis-Lowry and Dr. William Dodd and Scribe will be hosting a "Garden Party", a recreation of the staple event that the Pyramid Club was once known for.
RECEPTION: The Pyramid Club: Garden Party
Saturday, July 26th
Step into the history and culture of West African and Puerto Rican diasporas in North Philly’s community gardens with this AR installation.
Places of Power - Villa Africana Colobó Garden
Explore decades of everyday life in Strawberry Mansion with this archival photography exhibition and neighborhood story circle.
Strawberry Mansion Through the Years - A Neighborhood Storyshare Exhibition
SlowDrag takes the form of a procession of North Philly’s classic cars playing synchronized, original music up and down Ridge Avenue
SlowDrag
Join us to celebrate Pepón Osorio and muthi reed's video installations.
RECEPTION: Pepón Osorio and muthi reed at Sorellina
Sunday, July 27th
Immerse yourself in the rich Black history and community of Northern Liberties in the 19th century with this walking tour.
Extraordinary Ordinary: Black People in Northern Liberties before 1860
Come out and enjoy the space, peruse the vendors, and relax to the sound of music with Kimpedro's Nu Gruv Network and a host of musicians showcasing their talents.
Jazzing on Ridge