Join us in learning about the stories of women and Black trailblazers in Philadelphia during the Revolution. We’ll pass by the Slate House and learn about Hannah Callowhill Penn, who governed when William Penn was disabled as well as after his death. We’ll learn about Black Alice, who operated a ferry to Philadelphia and rode to church on horseback at the age of 95. We’ll marvel at the bravery of Deborah Franklin, who faced down a mob to defend her home.
Let's walk in the footsteps of Women and Black founders in Philadelphia!
2 hours. This is an outdoor walking tour; distance will be about 18 city blocks.
6th & Market Streets, at the Independence Visitor Center, Market Street (South) Entrance.
We’ll stop by the Betsy Ross house and learn about her courage; she not only sewed the first flag, but also secretly provided supplies to the American military while the British occupied Philadelphia.
We’ll see the marker for the home of Cyrus Bustill, a Black brewer, baker, abolitionist, and community leader; he supplied bread for the troops of the Continental army. We’ll stand on the spot of the former home of James Forten, who left school at age 9 after his father died; was a boy hero in the Revolutionary War; and who became a successful businessman in sail-making, as well as a philanthropist. We’ll stop in front of Mother Bethel AME Church, founded by Reverend Richard Allen in a converted Blacksmith shop, which has become a denomination in multiple countries. We’ll see the marker for St. Thomas African Episcopal Church, founded by Reverend Absalom Jones in line of sight of Independence Hall.
We’ll see the remains of the Presidents’ House, and learn about how Martha Washington spent winters during the war in the camps helping soldiers. We’ll remember Abigail Adam’s iconic letter, imploring President John Adams to “Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors.”
