Main content

Walter D. Palmer collection of materials on the Black Bottom Project and other displaced Philadelphia communities, 1875-2017 (inclusive) 1962 – 2010 (bulk)

Extent:

3.2 cubic feet (3 record center boxes) and 7.89 gigabytes

Abstract:

The Black Bottom Project worked to document the history of the Black Bottom neighborhood of Philadelphia, with particular emphasis on the displacement of thousands of community residents following redevelopment plans endorsed by the City of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania. Over time the project expanded to look at other Philadelphia neighborhoods that experienced similar community displacement and gentrification. The catalyst for the project was the course "Neighborhood Displacement and Community Power," (Urban Studies 448) taught by Walter D. Palmer (born 1934) and the research conducted by its students over many semesters from 1995 to 2010. The collection includes original student research, public records and other documentary sources, resident interviews, a short film, and digital files and paper printouts from the creation of a website.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: University Archives and Records Center [Contact Us]