Poquessing Trail of History

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Poquessing Trail of History

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Poquessing Trail of History, Landmark & historical place, Byberry, Philadelphia, PA.

Celebrating the rich history of the Byberry neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia by activating four historic sites near the Poquessing Creek Trail through public programs, historic restoration, and interpretation.

10/13/2026

In honor of Indigenous People's Day yesterday, we're looking back on our program with the Delaware Tribe Cultural Education Dept. at Byberry Quaker Meeting of Friends last spring.

You can view videos of our past programs here:
https://vimeo.com/showcase/12430728?fl=so&fe=fs

10/06/2026

Harriet Purvis lived in Byberry from 1844 to 1872.

Harriet shared a first name with the infamous Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, and she also shared her dedication to abolition. Harriet worked with her sisters, her husband, and anti-slavery activists across Philadelphia to raise money and provide aid to freedom seekers.

Harriet’s home in Byberry was even a stop on the Underground Railroad. It stood just off Byberry Road, near the location of Rambler Road today.

The Poquessing Trail of History is working on a historical sign that explains some of the anti-slavery work in Byberry during her time.

To get updates, follow us here or sign up for our newsletter:
https://form.fillout.com/t/gLyN6whWWHus

📷: Harriett Purvis, 1833. Box: 208, Folder: 11, Garrison Family Papers (SSC-MS-00060), Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, Northampton, Mass.

09/29/2026

We're featured on the PA State Historic Preservation Office Blog!

Look back over the last year and a half of programs and preservation wins. Read our insights on how to meet challenges and create partnerships that make history come alive.

https://pahistoricpreservation.com/preservation-partner-spotlight-one-year-later/

09/22/2026

Our partners from Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets are helping host a North Philly history reunion event this Saturday!

North Philadelphia: A Black Freedom Jawn
Saturday, September 26, 2026
12 noon to 5 pm
1801 Diamond Street

Food
Local Vendors
Live entertainment
Family fun
Community connection

Register at: [email protected]

09/15/2026

Poquessing Trial of History Director Jack McCarthy will be speaking at an exciting event later this month:

In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America
Episode 6: Wealth

In Pursuit is the first multi-part documentary series to explore the history of American democratic life through the experience of one city. From America’s birthplace comes a centuries-long drama on the possibilities and limits of a self-governing democracy.

No place can tell the American story like Philadelphia.

Free tickets at https://www.inpursuit.tv/

09/01/2026

This weekend, our director Jack McCarthy hosted a series of five (5!) sold out tours through the Byberry neighborhood's exceptionally rich history.

In these photos, attendees explore some of the hidden gems of Philadelphia's far northeast:

Isabel Brown, Arts & Culture Program Officer at Glen Foerd, speaks to tour attendees about Glen Foerd and its arts and culture programs

Artist Bob Dix discusses the Liberty Bell replica he created as part of the Philadelphia250 and Mural Arts "Bells Across PA" project. Dix's bell is on display at Glen Foerd.

Clerk of Byberry Friends Meeting David Nepley speaks to tour attendees about the history of Byberry Meeting and Quaker practices and traditions.

08/25/2026

Videos are ready for some of our programs and lectures this spring!

For our March event, "Revolutionary Medicine: Workshop on Medicinal Plants in Benjamin Rush’s Time", we heard a fascinating talk by Sara Ray, PhD, Senior Director of Interpretation and Engagement at the Mütter Museum, College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Dr. Ray explained the state of medicine in the late 1700s - a strange and surprising story!

To find out why doctors used to practice bloodletting and other obsolete medical methods, check out the video here:

https://vimeo.com/1212027217

08/20/2026

Looking forward to cooler days and fall colors?

Mark your calendars for this event hosted by one of our partners, Byberry Friends Meeting!

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 10
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Byberry Quaker Meeting of Friends
3001 Byberry Road, Philadelphia

Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of fall activities, including:
- Farmer's Market
- Arts and Crafts
- Mini-Horse
- History and Civic info
- Pumpkins!
- Bonfire

Follow Byberry Quaker Meeting of Friends to learn more.

08/12/2026

Our next program is already SOLD OUT! However, a waitlist is available at the link in bio.

The Poquessing Trail of History Neighborhood Jawnt takes visitors on a journey through the Byberry neighborhood's exceptionally rich history.

Explore Philadelphia's historic Far Northeast through grand riverfront estates, the birthplace of a Founding Father, and one of the region's oldest Quaker communities, discovering how this once-rural landscape helped shape the city's political, religious, and architectural heritage over more than three centuries. From elegant country estates to enduring places of worship and education, this tour reveals the people, landmarks, and stories that continue to define the area's remarkable legacy.

The tour is offered by our Director Jack McCarthy through Neighborhood Jawnts, a citywide tour series celebrating the culture, creativity, and small businesses that define Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Each tour features a different neighborhood each week over a 20-week series.

Get on the waitlist and check out the other neighborhood tours at the link in bio.

08/04/2026

Our partner the Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets is hosting a series of tours this month and through the fall through Neighborhood Jawnts.

The first one, which explores North Philadelphia's Jazz History, is already sold out!

Neighborhood Jawnts is a citywide tour series organized by the Philadelphia Visitor Center to celebrate the culture, creativity, and small businesses that define Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.

Check out the website below to find out about SPPAAA's next tour and one the Poquessing Trail of History is offering of Byberry later this month.

https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/neighborhood-jawnts-tour-series

Address

Byberry
Philadelphia, PA

Website

http://poquessingtrailofhistory.org/

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