Using | Doing | Teaching Black History

Morgan Lloyd moderates a panel of visual and literary artists.

In partnership with the 1838 Black Metropolis, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania hosted a two-day workshop called Using|Doing|Teaching Black History on April 25 and 26, 2025. Bringing together individuals dedicated to preserving and sharing Black history, this event served as a platform for storytellers, historians, digital creators, artists, activitists, poets, genealogists, and walking tour guides to connect, share their work, and learn from one another.  

The weekend kicked off Friday afternoon with a Community Resource Fair at which authors, organizations, and archival service providers shared their missions and products. Among the presenters were the students from Jubilee School in West Philadelphia, who shared the books they have written and published. Their work demonstrated a pathway to engaging young people while adding much-needed curricular resources for under-represented stories.  

Nell Irvin Painter working in the printmaking studio.

Historian and artist Nell Irvin Painter then presented “Arrived, New Names” as the keynote address Friday evening. Sharing insights about her artwork focused on William Still’s Journal C of the Underground Railroad, she set the tone for exploring how creative projects can share complicated and compelling histories. In her talk, she dove into her research into 19th century anti-slavery movements, and the interwoven literary, political, and artistic work of Black communities. A recording of her presentation can be viewed here.  

On Saturday, attendees engaged with over two dozen panelists around such topics as mapping and walking tours of historically Black neighborhoods, artistic interpretations of historical narratives, and grassroots preservation work.  Moderators for each panel invited presenters to share their work through slide presentation and performances. Robust conversations around the panels’ topics emerged among audience members during Q&A for each panel.

An attendee asks questions during Q&A.

Audience and panelists alike expressed support for each other's work and gratitude for the opportunity to connect with one another. In a follow-up survey, a majority of respondents asserted that they hoped to brainstorm with others on future programs and projects, as well as committing to visiting the sites and attending the programs represented by the panelists.  The proceedings from this workshop will be published in the October 2025 issue of the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, HSP’s scholarly journal.  

A full list of the presentations is available here.  

The teach-in emphasized the importance of memory work in maintaining the accuracy and accessibility of Black history. By sharing strategies and experiences, participants explored the future of public history, focusing on reclaiming and restoring narratives that have been overlooked and marginalized.