OVERVIEW

Explore the rich history of Philadelphia's Seventh Ward, a testament to the city’s diverse past and indomitable spirit.

Now known as Society Hill and Graduate Hospital, this area once served as a vibrant epicenter for Black Americans in the 19th century. But cultural shifts and political moves in the mid-20th century had a bleaching effect, erasing many of their relics and hallmarks. Today, only 7% of the area’s population is Black.

In tribute to the Black City Makers who built this vital hub, we invite you to step back through time. Visit community landmarks and get to know prominent locals who worked relentlessly to uplift the Seventh Ward–people like Octavius Catto, Fanny Jackson Coppin, or W.E.B. Du Bois, who famously mapped and studied the area in his groundbreaking sociological work, The Philadelphia Negro.

As you follow in their footsteps, look for traces of residents in windows and doors. Reflecting Revenants offers a unique and introspective journey with candid archival photographs of Black residents from the late 1800s–1960s.

Stops include:

• Mother Bethel AME

• Engine Company No.11

• Institute for Colored Youth

• Pennsylvania Hospital

• Church of the Crucifiction 

Please note:

Tours take place outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Mother Bethel and the tour are wheelchair accessible, but please reach out to info@7thwardtribute.com in advance for any special accommodations.

Tours are free but registration is required.

Explore all that Mother Bethel has to offer.registration is required. 

Sit-A-Spell in our Welcome Area, curated by The Colored Girls Museum. Check out books and artifacts related to the historic Seventh Ward before leaving for your tour. 

(Located in the Gift Shop in the corner of Lecture Hall.)

Save 30 minutes before or after your tour to visit the Richard Allen Museum in the lower level. There will be a docent available from 10am-2pm.

Church services at Mother Bethel are open to all on Sundays at 9:30am, with tours of the Richard Allen Museum available afterwards until 12pm.

Private tours for students and youth groups are available on Thursdays and Fridays. Please fill out this form to make a request.

Please email info@7thwardtribute.com for more information.