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What are we working on?

Documentation

that reflects previously overlooked or ignored histories and does not rely solely on architectural importance or integrity

Designation

that is generated by community members and neighborhood residents

Protection

that explores new avenues for preserving

expressions of cultural heritage

how we work

 

What is a cultural resource?

Cultural resources reflect the living heritage of a place and provide a sense of identity for communities. They are part of history and part of the present. Cultural resources can be things like buildings, performing and visual arts, festivals, music, businesses, and food. During the pilot, the Treasure Philly! team will work with members of the BG&E community to identify places, traditions, and stories that matter most to them.

 

Who will use the information gathered through treasure philly?

Information collected during the Treasure Philly! pilot phase will be accessible to the public online and can be used by all community members and professionals, including community leaders, city planning officials, preservationists, policy makers, historians, activists, artists and arts organizations, and anyone who is interested in Philly's culture and history.

By documenting cultural resources, community members and policy makers will be better able to consider decisions that impact neighborhood change. They can also use the information to help those who live and work in Philadelphia honor the cultures and places that they value. Treasure Philly! will be important in understanding histories and resources that may be under threat or previously unrecognized.

 

How can I participate?

The ultimate goal of Treasure Philly! is to ensure that each neighborhood and culture in the city is appropriately remembered, respected, and celebrated. With this in mind we are looking to neighborhood residents and leaders to help us lead the surveying process. From elementary school kids to elders--we want to engage a wide array of people to collect stories and history from people in their neighborhood.

  

past survey areas

2023-24: broad, Germantown, and Erie

Survey Area Map

© 2023 Philadelphia Historical Commission | 1515 Arch Street, 13th Floor  | preservation@phila.gov

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