In a significant step towards preserving local history, the Free Library’s neighborhood archival collections are now accessible to both library staff and the public. This initiative is part of the Hyperlocal Heritage project, which has involved collaboration with five neighborhood libraries to curate and maintain their unique institutional materials.
The collections, which are now open for research, provide a glimpse into the historical tapestry of Bustleton, Cobbs Creek, Germantown, Kingsessing, and Wynnefield. These areas have long been home to diverse communities, including Black, Jewish, and immigrant populations. Contributions from both library staff and residents have enriched these collections, offering a detailed look into the past.
Bustleton Collection
Historian Pat Worthington Stopper (1928-2015) compiled two extensive scrapbooks that include newspaper clippings, photographs, and various memorabilia documenting the development of Bustleton and Somerton. These invaluable scrapbooks, along with two photo albums, have been donated to the Bustleton Library.
Cobbs Creek Collection
The Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Branch Collection features materials dating back to its inception in 1925. This collection also highlights Blanche A. Nixon, the library’s namesake, and her efforts in initiating the Crisis Intervention Network mural in 1982.
Germantown Collection
The largest of the five, the collection at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library includes original architectural drawings from the late 1970s and a scrapbook by Germantown Friends students, detailing the building’s construction. The collection also underscores Joseph E. Coleman’s role as Philadelphia’s first Black City Council president, who championed the library’s creation.
Kingsessing Collection
Kingsessing Library houses materials dating back to 1921, including photographs and news articles that portray the original building layout and community interactions. It also documents significant events like the 1979 Harrity Elementary School protest and the 2009 Coalition to Save the Libraries campaign.
Wynnefield Collection
The Wynnefield Library Collection offers insights into the former Jewish community and its interactions with local institutions such as St. Joseph’s University and neighborhood schools. The collection includes a 1979 quilt, Philadelphia City Council citations for autism advocacy, and a 1964 report on the library’s Yiddish book collection.
Plan A Visit
To explore these collections, visitors should contact the respective neighborhood library’s Adult and Teen Department to schedule an appointment. Each branch’s contact details can be found in the related finding aid under “summary information.”
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Hyperlocal Heritage is primarily funded by the William Penn Foundation, with additional contributions from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.
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