Philly Grooves: Black Histories on Vinyl
Music Department at Parkway Central Library
Join the Music Department as we enjoy the sounds of Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, Bessie Smith, Pearl Bailey, John Coltrane, and Patti LaBelle on the library's vinyl collection. These icons are all featured in the Black Histories of Philadelphia exhibition on the 2nd floor.
The opportunity to listen to these soundtracks on original vinyl recordings adds a special touch. You are invited to experience the rich sound quality and historical context that vinyl offers. These records can usually be played in the department on our listening stations, while using headphones.
Black Histories of Philadelphia looks at some of the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s countless histories.
Some stories are kept, some fade over time, and others are misrepresented or silenced. The people featured in this exhibition created change through determination and innovation. They overcame obstacles and fought for their successes, just as community members today fight to keep their legacies alive.
Explore these stories of Black Philadelphians and the efforts to preserve their enduring impact.
The Black Histories of Philadelphia exhibition is a collaboration of the Children’s Literature Research Collection, the Map Collection, and the Print and Picture Collection. The exhibition is located in the Second Floor West Gallery of Parkway Central Library. To learn more visit freelibrary.org/specialcollections.
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Music Department
Room 126
215-686-5316
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357)