Abolition Histories- Laurel Hill East
Delve into Philadelphia’s 18th and 19th century abolition movement through joint tours of Eden Cemetery and Laurel Hill East. Explore the lives of free African Americans and self-liberating abolitionists who now rest at Eden Cemetery, such as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, William Still, Richard Allen and activists whose stories of resistance are undertold.
Simultaneously, discover the complexities of the era by examining the lives of those buried at Laurel Hill, including William Henry Furness, George Bryan, and Judge John Kane, whose stances and stories ranged from solidarity to contradiction to anti-abolition violence.
Beyond individuals, these tours illuminate the broader societal landscape as well as the site histories of Laurel Hill and Eden, which tell a story of racism in burial policies amongst cemeteries late into the 20th century and the African American response to a burial crisis.
Thank you to generous sponsors PA Abolition Society and Carol R. Yaster and William J. Levant, Esq.
- We will depart from the Gatehouse at Laurel Hill East’s main entrance, located at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132.
- Parking is available in any of the parking lot areas directly across from the main entrance (you will not be ticketed or towed).
- Please do not park in front of the construction entrance at the corner of Ridge Ave. and Clearfield St.
- Street parking is available in the neighborhood on Indiana Ave., N. 35th St., W. Clearfield St., N. Shedwick St., and/or N. 34th St.
- You may also park inside the cemetery, on any road that is big enough for you to pull your car over far enough for another car to pass.
- Additional directions and parking information are linked here.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
- The tour is rain or shine.
- The tour will run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your tour time to check in with the staff in the Gatehouse office.
- Please have your tickets ready to scan, either printed or on your phone.
- Restrooms are available at the Gatehouse.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:
- Please dress to be comfortable for the duration of the event and wear sturdy walking shoes. Consider heat/sun and any precipitation in the forecast.
- We recommend bringing a hat, bug spray, sunscreen, and water.
- We have umbrellas in the Gatehouse office you can borrow to shade yourself during the tour.
- The Gift Shop will be open.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Accessible parking spots are available in the courtyard on a first-come-first-served basis.
- This tour will go off paved roads and into grassy-uneven terrain.