Research at Elfreth's Alley

Research has always been an essential ingredient in the preservation and interpretation of Elfreth's Alley. Hannah B. Roach, one of Philadelphia's noted early historians and genealogists, conducted extensive research into the lives of early residents, and copies of her manuscript sources are available at the Alley Museum and in the Library of the American Philosophical Society.

In recent decades, some of America's most noted scholars of early American architecture have explored the buildings and documentary resources of Elfreth's Alley. Penelope H. Batcheler, one of the first women to serve as historic architect for the National Park Service, played an integral role in saving the Alley from destruction in the 1960s and helped create the Elfreth's Alley Museum.

More recently, Dr. Bernard L. Herman and a group of his graduate students from the University of Delaware conducted extensive research on each of the houses along Elfreth's Alley and Bladen's Court. The information they uncovered has been integral to an expanded, vital interpretation and preservation of Elfreth's Alley. We hope to publish this information for the general public in the days ahead.

We actively seek further information on the families, buildings, and visitors to Elfreth's Alley over the past three centuries. If you have stories, genealogical data, or photographs that you would be willing to share, please use our contact form.

Conference: Public History and the Great Depression
The Elfreth’s Alley Association, invites proposals for papers and panels for a conference that explores issues relating to "Public History and the Great Depression: History, Heritage, and Memory in a Time of Crisis" to be held October 9-11, 2009 in Philadelphia.  Possible topics may include preservation, interpretation, and restoration efforts throughout the United States during the Great Depression; significant public commemorations during the era; government involvement in historic preservation and commemoration, including New Deal programs and others; the diversification of American heritage through public history; and other topics.

Related links:
American Philosophical Society