PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) will host the opening reception of Bethel Burying Ground: A Tribute to A Sacred Space in the Art Gallery at City Hall, Room 116 on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Bethel Burying Ground: A Tribute to A Sacred Place is a new installation that honors and recognizes the historic significance of the deceased buried at Bethel Burying Ground and the early 19th century free Black community they represented.
“The Bethel Burying Ground is an incredibly significant site that is a part of Philadelphia’s history and its transformation,” said Mayor Kenney. “The African American community has contributed so much to our city and nation, often without recognition. That’s why it’s so important that we remember and honor those who were buried here and reflect on their impact on our city.”
“The City is working with the Bethel Burying Ground Historic Site Memorial Committee to develop a meaningful memorial to celebrate the lives of the individuals interred at the Bethel Burying Ground,” added Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer. “Bethel Burying Ground: A Tribute to A Sacred Place is one of the ways we are celebrating these individuals while educating Philadelphians about the history of the Bethel Burying Ground during the development of the memorial.”
With contributions from Mother Bethel AME Church, historian Terry Buckalew (author of The Bethel Burying Ground Project), the Charles Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University Libraries, documentary filmmaker Louis Massiah, and original works by 49 artists from the Philadelphia region, OACCE’s gallery has been transformed into a space of reflection.
“OACCE exhibitions traditionally display art objects or artifacts that are meant to inspire, provoke or move visitors,” said Tu Huynh, City Hall Exhibitions Manager. “For this showcase, the gallery becomes an immersive space where visitors are greeted by an overwhelming number of names on the gallery walls and confronted with this vital history of early 19th century Philadelphia.”
Bethel Burying Ground: A Tribute to A Sacred Place features visuals, text and video about the history of the Bethel Burying Ground including nearly 2,500 names of the approximately 5,000 individuals buried at Bethel Burying Ground and over 100 church fans created by artists paying tribute to specific individuals, including many children, buried at the site between 1810-1864. The exhibition strives to avenge their memory by showing that their history matters.
The opening reception is free, open to the public and includes light refreshments. Those interested in attending are invited to RSVP online or by phone at 215-686-8446. Bethel Burying Ground: A Tribute to A Sacred is on display through March 13, 2020 in the Art Gallery at City Hall, Room 116 and First Floor Display Cases. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.