Hosted by Beth Gonzales

Words from our Host:

“If you love music, building partnerships, history, and the power of community, join me this Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Jammin’ in the Garden!

I’m proud to host this year’s event, which will support Johnson House Historic Site (JHHS), a national landmark, and one of Philadelphia’s few intact historic sites and waystations on the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad was a dramatic and compelling form of radical protest against a system to enslave Africans for economic profit and to maintain slavery. During the 19th century, and for several generations beyond, the Johnson House was owned by a family of Quaker abolitionists who worked with African Americans – free and enslaved – and other Europeans to secure safe passages to freedom along an extensive network of clandestine routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. As Quakers, the abolitionist Johnsons believed in non-violence and stood for equality. Their home was a refuge and safe place for enslaved Africans making their way to freedom.

These revolutionary partnerships and the audacious men and women who labored for the freedom of others and the courageous decisions made by enslaved Africans to embark on perilous, hope-filled journeys to freedom are inspiring!

Today, as a historic house museum and center for social advocacy, we continue to educate, advocate and inspire as we represent what everyday people can do to make a difference in their community.”

~ Beth Gonzales