An Underground Railroad Station and House Museum
Johnson House Historic Site, Inc. is one of Philadelphia’s few intact historic sites and waystations on the Underground Railroad that is open for tours. During the 19th century, and for several generations beyond, the Johnson House was owned by a family of Quaker abolitionists who worked with other European and African Americans – free and enslaved – to secure safe passage to freedom along an extensive network of clandestine routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. After visiting, you will leave with an understanding of the audacious men and women who labored for the freedom of others and gain an appreciation for the courageous decisions made by enslaved Africans to embark on a perilous, hope-filled journey to freedom.
As Quakers, the abolitionist Johnsons believed in non-violence. They were “infidel practitioners” and advocates of racial equality. Their home was a refuge and safe place for enslaved Africans making their way to freedom.
The Underground Railroad was a dramatic and compelling form of radical protest – by Africans – against a system to enslave Africans for economic profit and to maintain slavery.
“I have freed many slaves, and could have freed thousands more if they only knew they were slaves.”
– Harriet Tubman, Born 1820 Dorchester County, Maryland | Died March 10, 1913, Auburn, New York
2023 Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival
The 17th Annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival (PJF), will be on Saturday, June 17, 2023. 12pm – 7pm in Germantown. Enjoy a day-long outdoor street festival filled with re-enactments, music, history, culture, food, meaningful conversation, fun and more.
Historic Germantown Consortium
BLACK LIVES MATTER STATEMENT
We, the Historic Germantown consortium member sites, affirm that Black Lives Matter. We stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color communities, and share their grief over lives lost and their goals for social justice. We honor the presence of black and brown residents, activists, and leaders in Northwest Philadelphia. The consortium holds itself accountable to a high standard of inclusion and outreach and acknowledges the deep rifts in our neighborhoods caused by racism, violence, disinvestment, and white supremacy. We condemn these behaviors and structures, holding space to claim our role in making positive changes within our institutions and in the broader world. Historic Germantown sites will continue to tell diverse and fascinating stories highlighting the pride of place, famous firsts, prominent families and grassroots leaders, and the ongoing struggle for freedom. In this work, we will foster greater participation, equity, and opportunity within our community, striving to make the repairs and share the resources necessary to build goodwill and promote social justice now and into the future.
