THE AMERICAN WOMEN'S HERITAGE SOCIETY, INC Fall 2008 UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM Belmont News

HISTORIC BELMONT MANSION, WEST FAIRMOUNT PARK, PHILADELPHIA, PA

Greetings From President, Audrey Johnson Thornton nderground Railroad Bob Casey and U.S. State Repre- help Belmont Mansion as Museum at Belmont sentative Chaka Fattah are in- “Quest for Freedom Partner”. U troducing legislation to authorize The Mansion’s volunteers Mansion Free to the Public $45 million for the Centennial donated thousands of in-kind July 4th & 5th District in Philadelphia‘s Fair- hours towards the success of On July 4th and 5th the public mount Park. The project would this valued and historical pro- enjoyed two days of fun filled transform and revitalize the area gram. They arranged mu- extending from the Philadelphia seum visits for the docents, activities beginning with the Zoo to the Mann Center for Per- coached them with reenact- UGRR Tours, Underground Leg- forming Arts. ments and taught them busi- acy Series special guest speak- ness and personal skills. ers Dr. Edward Robinson, story- Senator Casey and State Repre- telling by Linda Gross and Dr. sentative Fattah announced the The students have developed Lillian Green. The event was Centennial District Authorization their own logo, newsletter, Act in a news conference on July biographies and an Under- filled with fun and family activi- 7, 2008. It was held at the John ground Railroad Coloring Book ties, games, steel band music, Welsh Memorial Fountain, 4231 featuring historical figures face painting, quilt workshops. North Concourse in the heart of and architectural structures of Patrons enjoyed listening to the Fairmount Park. The federal the Mansion. Using their INSIDE THIS lawmakers presented the posi- newly acquired business ISSUE: Voices of Freedom Choir and tive ramification of their pro- skills, their task this school watched a Civil War reenact- posal. year is to market their prod- Freedom Wall of Fame 2 ment. There were free refresh- igh School of the ucts and have them placed in museums across the city and Underground Railroad ments, Stilt Walkers and many 3 Future Student country. They are confident Legacy Series other activities to enjoy. The H Docents Thrill Visitors they will achieve this goal. event was broadcast LIVE on American Women’s Students from the School of the 4 Heritage Society— WURD /AM radio. Future have been impressing The Belmont Mansion Under- Weddings at Belmont 7 visitors at the Underground Rail- ground Railroad Museum Stu- road Museum all summer. They dents Docents talk about his- History Events in the tory and they make it happen. 8 participated in the “Welcome Region th America Parade”, on July 4 , Freedom Songs 9 and spoke on WURD Radio’s live broadcast during the July 4th Mission Statement / 10 celebration. Officers

These energetic young adults airmount Park Makeover have been working tirelessly F Proposal honing up their public speaking, VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.BELMONTMANSIO Fairmount Park has been inter-personal, and on the job- N.ORG slated to for a massive beautifi- training skills with the aid of cation face-lift. U.S. Senator AWHS volunteers and staffers to Fall 2008 Page 2

Freedom Wall of Fame

FREEDOM WALL OF FAME “Receive Public Recognition of Your Support”

In the spirit of great appreciation and recognition of your contributions to the American Women’s Heritage Soci- ety at Historic Belmont Mansion, I invite you to participate in an exciting new opportunity entitled Freedom Wall of Fame. This fundraising offer is designed to support and preserve the Underground Railroad Museum and Belmont Mansion.

Freedom Wall of Fame celebrates and honors people and organizations whose dedication and commitment to the struggle for freedom has made a difference, and to those whose support of the American Women’s Heritage Society has enabled us to succeed. Imagine your name engraved in a beautiful, permanent, bronze plaque and publicly displayed at Belmont Mansion.

The American Women’s Heritage Society is proud of its twenty-two year stewardship of Belmont Mansion. Join in supporting the Underground Railroad history of this most historically and architecturally important Revolu- tionary Era house in America.

______I would like to make a commitment today. My check is enclosed.

______I want to make a commitment today. I want to arrange a payment plan.

WALL OF FAME DONATION Please make a difference by sending a donation by check, credit card, or money order. Send me your donation today! • Harriett Tubman Level $10,000 • Judge Peters Level $10,000 • James Forten $5,000 • Cornelia Wells Level $5,000 • Sojourner Truth $2,000 • Belmont Mansion Level $1,000 • William Still $100 • Jane Johnson $50 • Lucretia Mott Level $25

Please sign below and return to: American Women’s Heritage Society at Historic Belmont Mansion, 2000 Bel- mont Mansion Drive, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 19131.

Name ______Tele ______

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Underground railroad legacy series he Underground Railroad Legacy Series presents a series of notable dialogues led by distinguished scholars who will share historical accounts and exciting, daring stories of Tescape from human bondage with help from the Underground Railroad. The Series will high- light the timeless story of revolution and Independence, slavery and freedom with a focus on Philadelphia. Participants will explore Slavery to Freedom artifacts in the Charles L. Blockson collection with curator, Dr. Diane Turner, and examine the life of Judge Richard Peters and his son Richard Peters, Jr., the owners of Belmont Mansion, and their relationship with James Forten and Absalom Jones.

he Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion kicks-off it’s second annual Underground Railroad Legacy Series on September 15th with an exciting public conversation with Michael Coard, Esq., President of Avenging the AncestorsT Coalition.

The Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion Presents: THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD LEGACY SERIES September - December 2008 September 15, 2008 Slavery and Freedom at the Presidents House – 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM A Public Dialogue with Michael Coard, Esq., Founding Member of Avenging the Ancestors Coali- tion (ATACJ. Learn how ATAC took civic action to reveal and preserve the memory of enslaved people held by George and Martha Washington at the President's House. September 18, 2008 Animating Democracy-An Underground Railroad Walking Tour Join this exciting Walking Tour from Belmont Mansion to see the Columbia Philadelphia Railroad tracks still visible in Fairmount Park, just 400 yards from Belmont. Runaways, hidden in box cars by abolitionist William Whipper, jumped the train and ran to Belmont Mansion for safe hiding. A Living History Experience with Lenwood Sloan. October 5, 2008 Gospel Festival "We Come This Way By Faith" 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Held in collaboration with "Women in Partnership with God" 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Book signing and Reading w/music: The Gist of Freedom is Still Faith Author Lesley Gist-Etheridge shares an historical story of how William Still's Underground Rail- road and Samuel Gist's mass slave emancipation...created a miraculous reunion. After 40 years in bondage Peter Gist finds his family - The Stills. October 9, 2008 Animating Democracy - Docent Training Workshop 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Presenter: Lenwood Sloan, Pennsylvania November 15, 2008 "Slavery and Freedom" in The Charles L. Blockson Collection 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM A public dialogue featuring Dr. Diane Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Collection, one of the nation's foremost university-based collections of African American prints, photographs, slave narratives, manuscripts, letters and books. Dr. Turner is a graduate of Temple and past curator of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. November 22, 2008 Pre-Holiday Gift Shop Sale and Meet the Artist Jeanyne James 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Don't wait 'ti1 Christmas. Stock up on your favorite one-of-a-kind collectibles, including Black Angels and Nativities, slavery dolls, and hand-made quilts. FREE December 4, 2008 Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:30 PM Light up your evening with Audrey Johnson Thornton; President of the American Women's Heri- tage Society and Underground Railroad Museum, members, and friends at Belmont Mansion's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. December 4-6, 2008 Holiday Gift SALE - Harriet Tubman Gift Shop 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Start your holiday shopping early. Purchase one of a kind holiday gifts and [Open till 7:00 PM December 6] collectibles and meet the artist, Jeanyne James. Admission to the Gift Shop is FREE Fall 2008 Page 4

Underground railroad legacy series Special "Quest for Freedom" Tours The Legacy of Belmont underground Railroad Exhibition - Every Tuesday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

EXHIBITIONS • Permanent Underground Railroad Exhibition: The Legacy of Belmont Mansion • Special Temporary Exhibition: Quilts by Jeanyne James *Note: Admission to all events is $7.00 Unless indicated "Free". All tours are $7.00 For more info contact: 215-878-8844 Web: belmontmansion.org

The American Women’s Heritage Society he American Women’s hile the history of Bel- J udge Peters was a neighbor T Heritage Society W mont Mansion begins and friend to Judge William The American Women’s Heritage So- with the aristocratic ideals of English- Lewis, who wrote the Act for the Grad- ciety (AWHS) is a non-profit organiza- man William Peters, Belmont Man- ual Abolition of Slavery in Pennsyl- tion founded in 1986 for the purpose sion’s connection to Abolition and vania in 1780. In a report to Presi- of maintaining and preserving Bel- Underground Railroad Movements dent Washington in 1791, Judge Pe- mont Mansion. In addition AWHS begin with his son, Judge Richard ters promoted the American eco- seeks to build bridges of communica- Peters and his grandson, Richard Pe- nomic development in agriculture tion and interaction among the vari- ters, Jr. who was George Washing- without the use of slave labor, and ous ethnic communities in Philadel- ton’s Secretary of War. George Wash- worked to overturn the Federal Fugi- phia. Belmont Mansion is designated ington, John Adams, Thomas Jeffer- tive Slave Act of 1793. In 1811, as a significant historic site in the son, James Madison and many sign- Judge Peters purchased a 25 year old National Register of Historic Places ers of the Constitution visited Judge enslaved person named Cornelia and works to interpret the history of Peters at Belmont Mansion on a regu- Wells and her daughter from his Belmont Mansion and its ties to the lar basis. Judge Richard Peters rela- Strawberry Mansion neighbor Tho- Underground Railroad. Under my tionship with George Washington is mas Morgan. According to Peter’s leadership we have raised funds to documented through correspondence journal on file at the Pennsylvania restore the Mansion and create an copies of which are at Belmont Man- Historical Society, Judge Peters gave Underground Railroad Museum to sion. While serving as George Wash- Cornelia a three year indenture to interpret the Belmont Mansion’s con- ington’s Secretary of War, Judge Pe- work off the money paid for her free- nection to Free Black Community and ters followed a personal human rights dom, and freed her daughter immedi- the Quaker anti-slavery movements in agenda. He served as the first non- ately. At the end of her indenture he Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. In Quaker member of the Pennsylvania arranged for her to live at the Boelsen 2007 a $3million restoration project Society for the Abolition of Slavery, his House in the Fairmount Park where was successfully completed and on son Richard Peters, Jr. became the she earned her living keeping a tav- July 4, 2007 the Underground Rail- President of the same society. ern and selling ginger cakes. road Museum opened to the public. Fall 2008 Page 5

The American Women’s Heritage Society ational Archives records names Ganges. The newly freed cap- government was required to enforce N show that in 1800 the tives took the name “Ganges” as their it. This judgment stimulated Under- slave ships Schooner Phoebe and surnames. Descendents of the ground Railroad activity because the Schooner Prudence were captured by Ganges still reside in Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled states were not the American naval sloop, Ganges, for and Boston today. obliged to do anything to enforce the violating the 1794 Slave Trade Act he history of Belmont Man- federal Fugitive Slave Act of 1793. that made it unlawful for American T sion is a story of Revolution udge Richard Peters had a vessels to engage in the International and Independence, and Slavery and J great influence on shaping his Slave Trade. The ships and their Freedom. Richard Peters, Jr., as the son’s abolitionist views. Like his fa- cargo were returned to Philadelphia Official Reporter to the United States ther, who had become one of the first for adjudication in the United States Supreme Court in 1842, challenged non-Quaker members of the Pennsyl- District Court for the district of Penn- the Supreme Court in Prigg v. Penn- vania Abolition Society in 1787, Rich- sylvania in front of Judge Richard Pe- sylvania in an effort to prevent slave ard Peters, Jr. became President of ters. Peters placed the 134 Africans catchers from kidnapping innocent the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. under the care of the Pennsylvania African Americans and runaways in Abolition Society who, in turn, ar- Philadelphia. He won the case. The ranged indentures for the Africans in Supreme Court mandated federal law Philadelphia and gave them the sur- was still in force, but only the federal

The Legacy Of Belmont the cars slowed down on Belmont Park Commission acquired it in 1868. property. Runaways would have hid- During the 1876 Centennial Celebra- den in the Belmont Mansion attic, tion Belmont Mansion was used as a which was also built at this time, and restaurant for Centennial visitors. in the basement. Richard Peters, Jr. The Legacy of Belmont: The Under- ichard Peters Jr. initiated the became President of the Pennsyl- ground Railroad at Belmont Mansion R commercial development of vania Abolition Society, the legal rep- HO: The permanent Un- the property following his fathers resentative African American sail W derground Railroad exhi- death in 1828 and no family mem- maker, abolitionist, and businessman bition titled, The Legacy of Belmont, bers lived at Belmont Mansion. Pe- James Forten from 1814 – 1830’s, was created by the American ters, Jr. was on the design team for and legal advisor to Absolom Jones, Women’s Heritage Society at Historic the Columbia Philadelphia Railroad founder of the African Episcopal Belmont Mansion to celebrate the and laid tracks on an incline located Church of St. Thomas in 1820. grand opening of the Underground 400 yards from the Mansion on Bel- ike his father, Richard Peters, Railroad Museum at Belmont Man- mont property. This incline forced the L Jr. fought to repeal federal sion. The exhibition materials are trains to slow down, thus providing an laws that oppressed the enslaved and drawn in large part from many opportunity for runaways, hidden the free black population. He man- sources including the Pennsylvania aboard the trains with assistance aged Belmont Mansion until his death Historical Society, The Society for the from William Whipper, a noted African in 1848. After his death, trustees for Abolition of Slavery, The Library Com- American businessman and Railroad the Peters family heirs managed the pany of Philadelphia, the National executive, to hop off the trains when Belmont Estate until the Fairmount Archives, and the Peters Family. Fall 2008 Page 6

The Legacy Of Belmont raises interrelated questions: audio kiosks that provide lively Who were the Peters family and stories and historic background. why did Judge Richard Peters and his son, Richard Peters, Jr. risk PONSORS: This exhibi- their lives, property and social S tion and restoration pro- status to participate in the aboli- ject has been made possible with tion movement anti-slavery move- funding by The American HAT: Permanent exhi- ments? What role did Richard Women’s Heritage Society, The W bition panels exhibi- Peters play in the Revolutionary City of Philadelphia, the State of tion, a video and interpretive and War? Why is Belmont Mansion Pennsylvania, the Institute for Mu- educational materials document and important Underground Rail- seum and Library Services, The and interpret the history of Bel- road site? Who were the aboli- Pew Charitable Trusts, and others. mont Mansion, the Peters family tionists? The Legacy of Belmont that built Belmont Mansion and was conceived by Audrey Johnson E S E R V E D T O U R S : lived here, and the heroic deeds Thornton, with principal research R Tours are available Tues- of Judge Richard Peters and his by Mary Dabney, PhD. and Olivia days through Sundays from son, Richard Peters, Jr. The exhi- Butler, Ph.D.; Design and graphics 12:00PM – 4:00PM. Reserva- bition presents personal letters, were provided by Steve Feldman tions can be made by calling 215- documents, and photographic re- Design, exhibit building by Bill Hol- 878-8844. One teacher, parent, productions. Among the high- loway. The materials are organ- or guardian must be assigned to lights are: life sized reproductions ized in thematic sections: An Ori- escort and supervise every ten of William Peters, his wife Mary entation Room which includes: An students. Breitnell, and their son Richard Underground Railroad video; Ex- Peters; a reproduction of a paint- hibit panels including The Under- he American Women’s ing by Rembrant Peale of Judge ground Railroad in Pennsylvania, T Heritage Society invites Richard Peters. The graphic pan- Abolitionists, Pro-Slavery Factions you to visit the Underground Rail- els are comprised of reproduc- in Philadelphia and poster panels road Museum at Historic Belmont tions of documents and images in that include 1) an Underground Mansion in Fairmount Park. See the exhibition, drawn largely from Railroad Timeline and 2) History the new and exciting exhibit, “The the Peters Family Estate, Pennsyl- of the American Women’s Heri- Legacy of Belmont Mansion” that vania Historical Society, the Li- tage Society. In the main building, explores The Underground Rail- brary Company of Philadelphia, the Peters’ Mansion, themes in- road and Belmont Mansion in the and the National Archives. These clude: Judge Peters, The Peters struggle to abolish slavery. materials are supplemented by Family, and The Pennsylvania So- materials from various museums ciety for the Abolition of Slavery, and public institutions. Richard Peters, Jr., Cornelia Wells; and the Revolutionary Era HEME: Slavery and Free- (publications and letters). People T dom. Revolution and In- and themes are made available to dependence. The exhibition visitors via hands-on push button Weddings at Belmont Mansion Fall 2008 Page 8

History Events in The Region

Other events included a prayer break- Raab says it’s “truly a remarkable fast, the presentation of the annual document”. Chisholm Awards Honoring Women Physicians and an Education forum. The document unveiling was placed at the Raab Collection office in Phila- The weekend culminated Sunday with delphia. an awards luncheon at First District Plaza.

lack Independence Day lack Founders – The Free Justine Winslow, Gladys Evans and B George Washington owned Black Community in the Audrey Johnson Thornton received B 316 Black Human Beings as slaves in the Onah C. Weldon Worthy of Honor Early Republic Virginia and transported 9 of them to Award. This exhibition examines the struggles America’s first “White House” here in Philadelphia at the 6th & Market Site of African Americans against slavery of the New Liberty Bell Center. On November 2 , 2009 President of and racism from the American Revo- the American Women’s Heritage Soci- lution to 1830. The exhibit will be on ety Audrey R. Johnson Thornton will Within the next few months of 2008, be honored for her achievements by display March 10th – October 10, construction of a stone Memorial will Kappa Community Development Cor- 2008 at The Library Company, 1314 resume at that site to honor those 9 porations, Burlington Camden, NJ. and all other enslaved blacks. En- Locust Street in Philadelphia. On display are the books, pamphlets slaved people who live and work at he Welcome Mat is Out and newspaper articles of those that the Presidents’ House. championed equal rights and forged T Peek inside the door of his- new organizations and institutions to For more information, contact Aveng- toric homes in two sections of the city serve the growing free black commu- ing the Ancestors Coalition at sponsored by Friends of Independ- nity. This exhibit is open to the public ence National Historical Park. Nine 215-553-8751 or and free of charge. Fairmount Park houses are open in- www.avengingtheancestors.com. cluding Belmont Mansion, which con-

tains the Underground Railroad Mu- ohn Brown’s Last Will and Testa- seum, and the newest park attraction. J ment to be Unveiled e Need Your Help! The Ohio House built for the 1876 Several important letters and papers W To build a monument In Centennial Exposition and then reno- were unveiled at an open house in Philadelphia to honor Dr. Martin Lu- vated to a museum and restaurant. University City is opening dozens of Philadelphia. ther King, Jr. , SUPPORT FREEDOM’S historic twin houses, from antebellum DREAM. A life size bronze monument to Twenties Revival. And view the Among the documents a personal of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. with creative adaptations the residents letter from Benjamin Franklin, written a granite donor base is proposed for have made to these early suburban from Philadelphia in July 1776. Other homes. letters are from George Washington Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. For and John Adams. more information call or write 215- 382-3869 or rebeccaroserm- he Penn Town Links will honor President Audrey Johnson Nathan Raab of the Raab Collection [email protected] ThorntonT on October 11th at the says the most important document is Hyatt Hotel for keeping the legacy of a from John Brown, who crossed the people alive for generations to come. Mason Dixon line before the Civil War omen of Distinction and forcibly freed slaves. It’s his last W The Philadelphia Congress will and testament, signed the morn- of the National Congress of Black ing that he was hung. Women held its 23rd Black Splendor Weekend. The four day event was

kicked off with ”Joy Night”. Raab says Brown’s “name and his cause became a rallying point for peo- ple who were Opposed to slavery”. Fall 2008 Page 9

Freedom Songs Fall 2008 Page 10

THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S HERITAGE SOCIETY, INC UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM

MISSION STATEMENT

The American Women’s Heritage Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 for the purpose of maintain- ing and preserving Belmont Mansion. In addition to preserving and interpreting Belmont Mansion as an historic site, AWHS seeks to build bridges of communication and interaction among the various ethnic communities in Philadelphia. Belmont Mansion is designated as a significant historic site of the Fairmount Park Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. Through the site, AWHS has made a tremendous investment in document- ing a more inclusive history of the Belmont Mansion and its ties to the Underground Railroad.

Officers Audrey R. Johnson Thornton, President Dr. Naomi J. Booker, 1st Vice President Carole I Smith, 2nd Vice President Paulette O’Neill, 3rd Vice President Gayle Dickerson, Recording Secretary Mollie D. Robinson, Corresponding Secretary Linda B. Watson, Treasurer Keya Perry, Financial Secretary Joan Howell, Parliamentarian

American Women’s Heritage Society Underground Railroad Museum Historic Belmont Mansion 2000 Belmont Mansion Drive Philadelphia, PA 19131

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