In Pursuit of Preservation: A Community Conversation

The Dox Thrash House Project, Brewerytown-Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, and Community Design Collaborative presents “In Pursuit of Preservation: A Community Conversation for our Black Historic District,” a panel discussion.

Produced by Scribe Video Center for the North Philadelphia History Festival.

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ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The Dox Thrash House Project, Brewerytown-Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, and Community Design Collaborative are hosting an important community conversation about officially nominating their neighborhood as a Local Historic District! Come together with neighbors, cultural stewards, and design thinkers for a panel discussion to explore how historic district recognition can reflect who we are, protect what we’ve built, and shape a future that honors our roots.

The historic Dox Thrash House at 2340 Cecil B. Moore Avenue is more than just a building—it's a cornerstone of Philadelphia's Black Renaissance and a symbol of our community's rich artistic legacy. As the former home and studio of pioneering printmaker Dox Thrash, who co-invented the carborundum mezzotint technique while working with the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project, this Victorian house built in 1895 represents a crucial piece of our neighborhood's cultural identity.

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ABOUT THE CULTURAL WORKERS:

is a Black-led historic preservation initiative focused on restoring the former home of pioneering artist Dox Thrash and nominating the surrounding Sharswood neighborhood as a historic district. Backed by community leadership, the project trains residents in survey, documentation, and preservation practices to reclaim and protect their cultural heritage. It advances design justice and equity in the built environment through grassroots engagement and education.

BSNC: Brewerytown-Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition is a resident-led community group of Brewerytown + Sharswood in North Philly. They organize and mobilize holistically to meet the needs and interests of neighbors, families, and each other. They also build allyship with fellow North Philly neighbors!

: Preserving Black Presence (PBP) is an initiative of the Community Design Collaborative, a nonprofit that partners with communities to shape equitable, thriving environments. PBP supports Black-led historic sites by providing technical assistance, preservation planning, and capacity-building resources. The initiative aims to address systemic inequities in preservation and ensure long-term sustainability for culturally significant spaces.

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

The North Philadelphia History Festival (NPHF) is a cultural celebration of the African American and Puerto Rican communities in North Philadelphia. Across four days, historic sites along Ridge Avenue, North Broad Street, and other locales will be transformed into living exhibits created by artists, historians, curators, and other cultural workers. These multimedia projects and events explore the emergence and impact of these communities in the 19th and 20th centuries.

All events will be free and open to the public. Visit Scribe’s website to learn more here.

Lead support for the North Philadelphia History Festival is provided by the William Penn Foundation.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

RSVP & Entry:

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP does not guarantee admission if the venue is at capacity. We encourage attendees to arrive promptly at the start time.

Accessibility Information:

The venue has wheelchair accessibility for entrances, exits, and common areas. The approach to the venue is on solid ground, and there is step-free access throughout the venue.

Parking:

Standard street parking is available around the neighborhood and attendees can also park in the Grocery Outlet parking lot at 2077 Ridge Avenue.

Restrooms:

Restrooms are available inside the venue.

Public Transportation:

• 19th St & Jefferson St (33 Bus)
• Ridge Av & Jefferson St (61 Bus)
• 22nd St & Cecil B Moore Av (3 Bus)
• Girard Av & 19th St (G1 Trolley)

Inclement Weather / Rain Date:

N/A

Photography:

By attending this event, you consent to be photographed and authorize the use of your image in event-related materials. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify event staff.

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