We invite you to an insightful exploration of Philadelphia's vital role in the 18th and 19th-century abolition movement through a unique, dual-site tour of Eden Cemetery and Laurel Hill East.

This tour offers a comprehensive narrative, examining the lives of pivotal figures from the period. At Eden Cemetery, we will honor the legacies of free and self-liberated African American abolitionists, including Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, William Still, and James Forten. The tour will also highlight the often-overlooked stories of resistance from other activists interred at this historic site.

The Laurel Hill East portion of the tour will delve into the era's complexities by presenting the varied and sometimes contradictory roles of its historical figures. We will review the contributions and stances of individuals such as William Henry Furness, George Bryan, and Judge John Kane, whose actions ranged from abolitionist support to anti-abolitionist violence.

Beyond individual biographies, this program will address the broader societal context, including the history of discriminatory burial policies among cemeteries that persisted late into the 20th century and the resulting development of African American-led alternatives to a systemic burial crisis.

Abolition Histories tour at Eden Cemetery on June 13, 2026. Advance registration is encouraged.

Tour Guides: Richard White & Marty Foley

Thank you to generous sponsors Carol R. Yaster and William J. Levant, Esq.

TICKETS

• $20/General Admission (Ages 13 and up)

• $18/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID

• $15/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill

• $10/Youth (Ages 6-12)**

• $2/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets)*

• Free/Ages 5 and under**

• Access Card + Valid Photo I.D. must be presented at check-in.

*Please note – youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged!

Protect the Vote. Honor the Legacy.

Voting Right Press Conference on May 7, 2026.

Join The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter at Historic Eden Cemetery as elected officials, Black-led organizations, and community leaders come together to confront today's voting rights challenges while honoring the legacy of those who fought for equal access and representation.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) is a national non-profit organization. Through advocacy they work as change agents to influence policy that promotes gender equity in health, education and economic empowerment.

The Marian Anderson Historical Society invites you to join us as we celebrate 31 years of excellence as a national historical landmark and cultural heritage institution. The Masked Ball Gala celebration honors our great Marian Andersons historic debut as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955. Arrive in your Formals and Masquerade Masks and enjoy a fabulous evening of Fine Dining, extraordinary Live Performances from the Marian Anderson Scholar Artists, the Philadelphia Big Band and Jazz Ensemble and Special Tributes to the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter and the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

When: Sunday March 1st, 2026

Where: Crystal Tea Ballroom Historic Wanamaker Building 100 East Penn Square #9BPhiladelphia PA 19107

Event Time: 5pm

​Formal Reception and Dinner Service

Event Tickets: $150.00 Per Person

*Formal Attire and Masquerade Masks are encouraged

Event Menu: Classic Caesar Salad

Elegant Entree Stations

Hand Carved SteamShip of Beef Grilled Salmon Fillets

Elegant Pasta Stations Tortellini in Alfredo Baked Ziti Mariana

Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with Cranberry Demi-Glace

Cocktail Frankfurters Wrapped in Pastry with Dijon Mustard - Miniature Lobster Cobbler - Scallops wrapped in Bacon Spinach & Feta Cheese Phyllo Triangle

Watermelon Margarita with Feta Cheese & Candied Jalapeno

Accompanied by Dinner Rolls and Butter Open Bar and Tribute Gala Display Cake

REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.

On December 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony), Wreaths Across America will be at Historic Eden Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

Keynote Speaker: Rep. Regina Young185th District / Delaware and Philadelphia counties

For additional information and to sponsor wreaths - please visit the following link: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/171460/Overview/?relatedId=0

All attendees and participants for the Wreaths Across America event at Historic Eden Cemetery must enter through the HOME Section entrance on Springfield Road.

This entrance is marked on the attached map for your convenience.