Join us for a fascinating tour of the 300-year-old Historic Fair Hill burial grounds, where many influential activists and abolitionists are buried.
Historic Fair Hill (HFH) is a nonprofit, located in the Fair Hill section of North Philadelphia. Their work began 30 years ago, when a group of Quaker volunteers came together with neighbors to clean up an abandoned graveyard and begin the journey to create a community gathering place, an outdoor classroom, and an arboretum. Honoring the legacies of the activists buried here and those who restored it, Historic Fair Hill is committed to partnering with the Fair Hill community on social justice issues of today, promoting childhood literacy, reducing food insecurity, and generously sharing a peaceful green space with neighbors. The Philadelphia Chapter's annual book drive helps support the HFH childhood literacy program.
The program will include two parts:
1. History with Kerry Roeder - Executive Director HFH
Learn about the history of the 300-year-old burial ground, which includes the graves of the founder of Quakerism, the President of the Underground Railroad, Seneca Falls Convention organizers, and countless other abolitionists and women’s rights activists. We’ll also cover the neglect and clean-up efforts of the 20th century, the community leaders of the 90s and 00s, and the evolution of today’s initiatives.
2. Light Gardening and Clean-Up of the Burial Grounds
We will help with planting and gardening maintenance. Tools will be provided, but please bring gardening gloves if you wish.
Transportation
The 23 bus stops at the corner of the burial grounds at Germantown Ave. and Indiana Street. Street parking is available.
Upon Arrival: enter through the gates on Indiana Street and wait near the benches just inside of the gate.
A portion of the fee for this event is a donation to HFH for new tools for the garden.
NOTE: In the event of rain, we will have a virtual Zoom presentation instead of an in-person event.