At the Penn Libraries, we preserve Philadelphia’s untold stories through community archiving, oral histories, and creative collaboration. Philadelphia’s cultural memory lives in the stories and everyday lives of its people. Therefore, our work centers community voices and fosters lasting partnerships with organizations and everyday Philadelphians.
Preservation is more than safeguarding rare manuscripts—it’s about amplifying the stories and creativity that define the city’s past, present, and future. We partner with communities to assist in preserving community archives and family collections that reflect Philadelphia’s rich history and traditions. Through workshops and digital tools, we empower organizations, individuals, creatives, and groups to preserve their own histories.
Whether you’re a community elder, local musician, nonprofit leader, or someone with a box of photos, your story matters. From jazz legacies to neighborhood archives, we celebrate the creativity that shaped Philadelphia and influenced national and global culture. By preserving cultural memory and uplifting community voices, we ensure that Philadelphia’s stories continue to inspire future generations.
In partnership with the Philadelphia jazz community, we are building an interactive digital map that traces the city’s jazz history and its influence on hip-hop, rock, classical, folk, and beyond. The project highlights the work of musicians and organizations within Philadelphia neighborhoods. This map will serve as a living archive, a resource for researchers, and a celebration of jazz’s ongoing impact on Philadelphia culture.
We work with Philadelphia artists, cultural leaders, and intellectuals to record oral histories that capture artistic innovation, political activism, and community resilience. These testimonies ensure that voices often left out of official archives are heard and preserved.
Everyone’s story matters. Our guide and community workshops provide accessible, step-by-step tools for individuals and families to preserve photographs, letters, memorabilia, and digital files, allowing everyday lives to become part of Philadelphia’s cultural record.