The history of African Americans in Sewickley dates back to the 1820s. With the first groups arriving as domestic workers for the wealthy, then migrants from Virginia and Kentucky coming to work in construction, a large community of African Americans was quickly formed. As the community grew Sewickley’s first African American mission, the historic St. Matthews A.M.E. Zion church, was founded in 1857 and became a safe house for those escaping slavery in the Underground Railroad. Building off this rich history, Sewickley’s African American residents have lived, worked and celebrated, generation after generation. This exhibition brings together historical photographs from the community to view with reflection and remembrance.

Thank you to The Sewickley Valley Historical Society, The Sewickley Community Center and local residents for offering use of their photograph archives for this exhibition.

Exhibition Dates: September 22 – October 20, 2018