Reshaping Historical Narratives through the Atwater Kent Collection

A diverse group of storytellers investigates artifacts from the Atwater Kent Collection to unearth overlooked arcs of Philadelphia history. In collaboration with Drexel University, First Person Arts, and WHYY, the storytellers craft narratives based on their discoveries, contributing to a podcast series and an exhibition of artifacts dating from the past three centuries. The Atwater Kent Collection, formerly housed at the now-closed Philadelphia History Museum, contains more than 130,000 objects, including 18th-century items dredged from Philadelphia rivers, 19th-century abolitionist artifacts, and 20th-century scrapbooks found in the trash. The exhibition and stories center community perspectives on these objects to broaden a shared understanding of Philadelphia history.

Listen to the Philadelphia Revealed podcast.

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