Old Eighth Ward

02/18/2025

Announcing a new website and mobile app for exploring the diverse stories and significant places of Harrisburg. Developed by Messiah University students and faculty through the Center for Public Humanities, the app includes 25 stories as well as tours on the Chester Way and the Old Eighth Ward. More to come.

Read the following with links to download.

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to make the rich history of Pennsylvania’s capital region more accessible to the public. After two years of dedicated work by student…

08/28/2020

08/26/2020

It’s happening!

08/25/2020

More than a century ago, the predominantly Black and immigrant neighborhood was removed to make way for the expanding Pennsylvania Capitol grounds.

08/23/2020

This Wednesday, August 26, from 4:00-5:30, the Commonwealth Monument Project will dedicate a new monument on state capitol grounds near Fourth and Walnut Street. "A Gathering at the Crossroads" is a celebration of freedom and the power of the vote, the passing of the 15th and 19th Amendments, Harrisburg's historic African American community, and the vanished Old Eighth Ward.

The event will be live televised on WHBG Channel 20.

Between August 27 and November 154, we invite you to take a selfie of yourself in front of the monument and post to this page.

For more information about the project, check out https://digitalharrisburg.com/commonwealth and http://monumentpaus.com/

As our nation commemorates the anniversaries of the ratification of the 15th Amendment (1870), which enfranchised African-American men, and the later 19th Amendment (1920), which extended the vote …

08/18/2020

Official book release day for *One Hundred Voices* -- just in time for the dedication of the Commonwealth Memorial next Wednesday!

Here's the press release: https://digitalharrisburg.com/2020/08/18/new-a-book-about-harrisburgs-historic-african-american-community-and-the-old-eighth-ward/

Download your free copy here: https://thedigitalpress.org/100-voices/

Calobe Jackson, Jr., Katie Wingert McArdle, David Pettegrew, eds. Foreword by Lenwood Sloan, One Hundred Voices, Harrisburg’s Historic African American Community, 1850-1920. Download | Paperb…

08/12/2020

A new book about the Eighth Ward!

"One Hundred Voices: Harrisburg's Historic African-American Community, 1850-1920"

Download a digital copy for free: https://thedigitalpress.org/100-Voices/

Or purchase for a small cost via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734506857/

One Hundred Voices: Harrisburg's Historic African American Community, 1850-1920

08/08/2020

An article in The Burg about the Old Eighth and Commonwealth Monument. Check out the update:

Monuments around the country have been in the news recently, many taken or torn down by people who regard them as symbols of racism. But for over a year, members of the Commonwealth Monument Project have had a plan to erect a new monument in Harrisburg, one that highlights and honors Harrisburg’s ...

07/31/2020

Folks, the Commonwealth Memorial is happening! On August 26, a new monument to the value of the vote and Harrisburg's Black community will be dedicated on capitol grounds near Fourth and Walnut. We need your help to bring the final donations in. We will recognize your donations! For more information check out http://monumentpaus.com/

07/31/2020

Check out this op-ed on the Old Eighth Ward and historical racial injustices:

Unfair practices kept money out of the hands of Harrisburg’s poorer neighborhoods and African American zones.

07/17/2020

Behold the new commonwealth monument under construction at 4th and Walnut in Harrisburg!! August 26 dedication coming.