PHILADELPHIA, August 11, 2022 — The City of Philadelphia announced the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) will relocate to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as part of the redevelopment of 1801 Vine and 1901 Wood Streets. Four development teams have been shortlisted for the opportunity to reimagine the sites.
Today Mayor Jim Kenney announced these important new developments, stating, “When the City of Philadelphia launched the African American Museum during our bicentennial celebrations nearly 50 years ago, we became the first city in America to fund and build such an institution. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 2026, our announcement of a new home for the African American Museum in Philadelphia is a reaffirmation of our city’s commitment to supporting and uplifting the museum’s mission. The redevelopment of this historic building to house AAMP marks a significant moment in the life of our city and its most celebrated cultural thoroughfare, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.”
Mayor Kenney was joined for the announcement by Council President Darrell L. Clarke, whose Fifth Council District includes the museum’s future location. “This is an important day not only for the City of Philadelphia and the African American Museum in Philadelphia but for African American history in our city,” Council President Clarke said. “From the successful protests to desegregate Girard College to the first legislative act ever passed by a democracy to outlaw slavery, African Americans have played critically important roles in our city’s and Commonwealth’s long histories. It’s only fitting that the Museum highlighting and telling these important stories be developed and located in a central location—the Ben Franklin Parkway.”
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