Participants took a walking tour through nearby buildings under renovation. These are the buildings that housed the unearthed artifacts that sparked the investigation of the history behind these buildings in overtown Chester, PA.
Widener University history students teamed up with community historians and curious residents to delve through archives at the Delaware County Historical Society. Not only did this workshop provide a lesson in archival research and history, it gave a community a chance to connect around a city to be proud of.
“I really enjoyed the walking tour of the street and being able to see the transformation of the buildings over the years. More workshops like this would help people to understand the history of Chester and to appreciate the city itself.” –Workshop participant and Widener history student
Building the Biography of a Block gives citizens time to focus on the historical importance of Chester and rebuild their sense of pride in their hometown. It gives them a chance to say, “look what Chester has contributed to America.”
Photo credit: Greg Irvin