Heritage West unveils excavated bricks, bones, and jewelry from the historic Black Bottom; public invited to view the collection.

The Heritage West Community Archaeology Project is set to unveil a wealth of historical artifacts and narratives from the Black Bottom neighborhood, a historically significant area in West Philadelphia. This initiative, which began in 2023, is a collaborative effort involving the University of Pennsylvania, the Penn Museum, and local community organizations. The project focuses on a specific site located at 3500 Lancaster Avenue, where records indicated the existence of several residential structures.

The primary objective of Heritage West is to shed light on the neighborhood’s rich history, a context that extends beyond the anecdotes passed down through generations. In their excavations, the team uncovered nearly 20,000 artifacts that provide a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of the residents. Among the items retrieved were construction materials such as bricks and plaster, remnants of fuel sources like coal, and food-related artifacts, including animal bones, seeds, and even beer bottles. Additionally, cultural remnants such as vinyl records and jewelry were also found, offering insights into the social lives of the community members.

As the project enters a new phase, Heritage West is organizing an open house at the Penn Museum on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. This event aims to invite the public to engage with the findings firsthand and provide an opportunity for attendees to share their own histories linked to the Black Bottom community. This public engagement aspect is crucial for the project’s mission of making the archaeological findings accessible and relevant to those who have lived or have connections to the area.

The digging efforts come against the backdrop of significant historical changes in the Black Bottom, particularly in the 1960s when institutions like the University of Pennsylvania began acquiring properties for redevelopment. This action displaced approximately 5,000 residents, erasing what was once a thriving hub of Black culture and business.

Following the excavation, the focus shifted to cataloging and analyzing the artifacts. Volunteers, including 33 community members, played a vital role in cleaning and organizing the objects for further study. This process not only preserved cultural relics but also facilitated storytelling as individuals interacted with the artifacts, evoking memories of their experiences in the neighborhood.

Looking ahead, Heritage West plans to collaborate with a community advisory board composed of local residents to develop public displays that honor the collected artifacts while also fostering a sense of shared community history. Some items may be repurposed into public art installations, ensuring that the legacy of the Black Bottom continues to resonate within the community.

Community members like Latiaynna Tabb and Jantra Morris emphasize the importance of keeping the history of the Black Bottom alive and accessible. Tabb hopes the project will inspire moments of reflection about heritage and community history, while Morris, who has remained active in West Philadelphia, stresses that the collective memory of the neighborhood is not forgotten.

For further details on the project and the upcoming open house event, information can be found at heritagewestphl.org. The aim is to connect the past with the present, ensuring that the stories and experiences of those from the Black Bottom will continue to be acknowledged and celebrated.