First of its Kind: North Philadelphia History Festival Comes to the City

Philly is in its up-and-coming era. The hidden gem of a city known for its tight-knit communities, its passion and charisma— is quickly earning the label of hottest “new” city. Ironic, right?

Credit: John W. Mosley Photograph Collection, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries

Yes, new housing developments are emerging and fresh ideas for the city are sparking, but natives know that the new isn’t what makes Philly exciting, it is in fact, the old—and Scribe Video Center recognizes that.

For the first time ever, Scribe Video Center is hosting the North Philadelphia History Festival— and it's completely free!

Starting this week, July 24th-27th, attendees will be able to experience the richness of North Philly’s history and culture through numerous art installations, exhibitions, receptions, and more. The four-day festival centers the stories of the Black and Puerto Rican communities that comprise North Philadelphia’s identity. Most of the participating artists, speakers, and cultural workers are people of color with significant ties to the city.

Credit: Poster for the North Philadelphia History Festival

Unlike other festivals, this upcoming celebration isn’t confined to one location. Its events are scattered throughout the North Philadelphia region, truly providing attendees with an immersive experience.

Based on the event schedule, no two days of the festival are alike! Each day comes with its owne set of events spanning from morning to evening. See the full event schedule here.

According to the festival’s curators, these installations and exhibitions are must-see:

It Be Your Own People — a video installation by Muthi Reed.

The Pyramid Club: Black Leisure and Cultural Empowerment — a photography

exhibition by Leslie Willis-Lowry and Dr. William Dodd.

Tenants of Lenapehocking in the Age of Magnets — a hybrid video installation and oral

history project by Louis Massiah.

Jacob — a video installation by Pepón Osorio

Return Home — a visual installation created by Friends of the Tanner House.

Old School Philly: Reminiscing with Dottie Smith Gayle’s Jazz Community — a video installation by Malkia Lydia and Ryan Saunders.

Art is a major component of the festival— but it is not the only draw. The inclusion of panels, screenings, and receptions foster opportunities for intentional conversation amongst experts and attendees.

A few interactive standouts on the lineup include a walking tour of Northern Liberties, ‘Extraordinary Ordinary: Black People in Northern Liberties before 1860’, a garden party, Pyramid Club: Garden Party’, a jazz concert, ‘Jazzing on Ridge’ and much more.

These curated events aren’t just designed for attendees to spectate—they’re an invitation for participation, thought and connection.

Unfortunately, the northern section of the city is often overshadowed by stigma. The North Philadelphia History Festival seeks to shine a different light on these historic neighborhoods, one that illuminates pride.

So many Philadelphians, newcomers and lifelongers alike, aren’t aware of the deep histories embedded in the blocks they walk every day— specifically the Black history. With gentrification on the rise, prompting displacement and cultural erasure, events like this are more important than ever. The North Philadelphia History Festival presents an exciting opportunity to learn, celebrate, and preserve the names, legacies, and faces that make this city.