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Poquessing Creek Trail of History: The Land, The People, The Stories

Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
Birthplace of Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, c. 1690. Photo courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Birthplace of Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, c. 1690. Photo courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Poquessing Creek. Image courtesy of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Poquessing Creek. Image courtesy of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Byberry Hall, built in 1847 by noted African American abolitionist Robert Purvis for antislavery meetings. Photo by Jack McCarthy. 
Byberry Hall, built in 1847 by noted African American abolitionist Robert Purvis for antislavery meetings. Photo by Jack McCarthy. 
Site of the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground established by Byberry Friends Meeting in 1780 for enslaved and free Black people. Photo taken in 2023, courtesy of the Preservation Alliance. 
Site of the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground established by Byberry Friends Meeting in 1780 for enslaved and free Black people. Photo taken in 2023, courtesy of the Preservation Alliance. 

Site-specific installations along the Poquessing Creek Trail tell the stories of the diverse peoples of Philadelphia’s Byberry neighborhood and the area’s role in early American history. Interpreted through historical research and community convenings, the sites include the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground, created in 1780 as a resting place for enslaved and free African Americans; Byberry Hall, built in 1847 for anti-slavery activists; the birthplace of founding father Benjamin Rush and a recreation of his home, built circa 1695; and a newly created installation honoring the Lenni Lenape, the area’s original stewards. The sites feature maps, historical guides, and other interpretive materials, along with tours, lectures, honoring ceremonies, and other programming. A virtual online tour of the trail complements the project.

Learn more on the project website.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.

Ongoing EventsEvents & Exhibitions
Photography related to this content

Living Connections: Lenape Storytelling

Sep 13, 2025
1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Byberry Friends Meeting
3001 Byberry Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

More info

Poquessing Creek. Image courtesy of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

The Poquessing: Discover Philadelphia’s Forgotten Creek

Oct 4, 2025
1 p.m.–3 p.m.

More info

Photography related to this content

In the Light of Freedom: Historical Reenactment and Lantern Parade

Oct 18, 2025
6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Byberry Friends Meeting
3001 Byberry Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

More info

Photography related to this content

What Was Purvis Reading?

Nov 15, 2025
1 p.m.
Byberry Friends Meeting
3001 Byberry Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

More info

Recipient
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is a membership-based, nonprofit organization that promotes the protection, importance, and appropriate use of historic buildings and urban landscapes in the region. Through advocacy, planning efforts, and community programming, the Preservation Alliance looks after and restores Philadelphia's historic built environment, with programs that support homeowners and community leaders. 

More info
Explore Connections
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