WELCOME
The 8th national Slave Dwelling Project Conference will take place October 3-5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania’s McNeil Center for Early American Studies. This year’s theme,The Illusion of Freedom: Slavery in the Northern States seeks to explore American chattel slavery that was present in northern states prior to, and after the American Revolutionary War in the 1780s. While gradual emancipation began after the Revolution, the complicity of northern states allowed the institution of enslavement to persist nationally. Current American ideology purports the North’s role in the American Revolution, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War as asylum for the enslaved–nothing could be further from the truth. Less is known about northern participation in chattel slavery that existed in the United States and the legacy of chattel slavery that continues to disenfranchise the African American population and contribute to systemic racism. The 8th conference of the Slave Dwelling Project, the first in a northern state, will examine those roles as the nation prepares for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
Banner Image: Interpretation of “Scenes in cotton field – Blacks picking; White men watching; large factory in background” with a 1777 Philadelphia map all courtesy of LOC.gov.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
The 8th SDP Conference will feature an engaging keynote address by Michael Harriot, hosted by the McNeil Center at the University of Pennsylvania. A columnist at theGrio and a staff writer on The Amber Ruffin Show and author of Black AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, NBC, BET, and on his mother’s refrigerator. He is a frequent political commentator on MSNBC and CNN and earned the National Association of Black Journalists Award for digital commentary as well as TV news writing. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in more than 40 informative and enlightening sessions by many notable scholars and historians in historic Philadelphia, PA with many off-site experiences as well.
We are excited to announce this year’s conference will take place October 3–5, 2024 at both the Museum of the American Revolution and the Philadelphia Marriott Old City. A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the Marriott for your convenience and may be booked by clicking the below link.
A draft conference schedule can be viewed by clicking here.
VENUES
THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration.
PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT OLD CITY Revel in the History of Old City Philadelphia
Embark on a historic adventure from Philadelphia Marriott Old City, located in the heart of the historic district. Our downtown Philadelphia hotel seamlessly blends spacious well-appointed guest rooms, superb dining and exemplary meeting spaces with our time-honored “spirit to serve®.” The hotel is steps from some of the country’s most iconic destinations including the Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center and Betsy Ross House all within walking distance. A special rate and block of rooms has been set aside for the conference and can be reserved by clicking below or this link.