Lessons: Eighteenth Century: 1765-1790

Elfreth's Alley, from the time Jeremiah Elfreth built houses and opened his blacksmith’s shop, has been a home to artisans, both immigrant and native-born. The lessons in this section focus on African-Americans on the Alley and artisans on the Alley. Residents of the Alley played important roles in the life and growth of the city of Philadelphia. Their lives serve as a jumping off point for a look at the role of the communities of the 18th century city.