Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Northeast Philadelphia Launches Poquessing Trail of History

Community members gather to celebrate the unveiling of the Poquessing Trail of History Project.

News Summary

The Poquessing Trail of History Project was recently unveiled in Northeast Philadelphia, led by historian Jack McCarthy. The initiative aims to reconstruct and restore significant historical sites, including a replica of Benjamin Rush’s birth house, a monument for the Lenape, and the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground. Public programming will accompany the restoration efforts, with ten events planned to engage the community and promote local history awareness.

Northeast Philadelphia recently witnessed the unveiling of the Poquessing Trail of History Project, a significant initiative led by historian Jack McCarthy. The presentation took place at Pennepack Baptist Church, located at 8732 Krewstown Road, and drew considerable interest from members of the Northeast Philadelphia History Network. The project aims to illuminate the rich historical heritage of the area through construction, restoration, and public programming.

McCarthy, a resident of Parkwood and former president of the Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History, is also serving as the director of the Poquessing Trail project. The initiative is sponsored by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and will focus on four key areas that highlight important historical figures and events significant to the community.

Key Components of the Project

The project includes the reconstruction and representation of important historical sites. First, it will address the birth house of Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, which was demolished in 1969 by the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections. Presently, apartments occupy the site on Keswick Road; however, a replica of the house will be reconstructed in Benjamin Rush State Park using stones from the original structure.

Additionally, a monument will be constructed near the Poquessing Trail to honor the Lenape, the area’s original inhabitants. This initiative acknowledges the contributions and history of the indigenous population in the region.

Another pivotal component of the project involves the restoration of the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground. This site is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places due to research conducted by Joe Menkevich, who has played a crucial role in bringing attention to this historically significant location.

Lastly, the project plans to restore Byberry Hall, a historic structure built in 1847 by prominent abolitionist Robert Purvis. This restoration is aimed at preserving the building’s historical integrity and ensuring that it continues to serve as a landmark in the community.

Public Programming and Events

The Poquessing Trail of History Project is set to launch a robust public programming component alongside the construction and restoration efforts. McCarthy outlined plans for ten public events scheduled from this summer through next summer. These events are designed to engage the community and enhance public awareness of local history.

The kickoff event is scheduled for June 28, from noon to 3 p.m., at Byberry Meeting, located at 3001 Byberry Road. This event marks the beginning of an exciting phase for the project and serves as an invitation for the community to participate in exploring their rich heritage.

Conclusion

The Poquessing Trail of History Project represents an important effort to engage and educate the community about its rich historical past. By reconstructing and restoring critical sites while also offering public programming, the initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the area’s history. For those interested in learning more about the project, additional information is available on the website PoquessingTrailofHistory.org and through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.