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Inscription:"The meetinghouse was built in 1804 on a burial ground granted by William Penn in 1701. It has been continuously used as a place of worship and center for activities of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) of the Philadelphia region." Erected 1954 by Pennsylvania Historical &amp; Museum Commission.

In the annals of Philadelphia's history, few buildings stand as resolute monuments to the passage of time and the enduring spirit of community quite like the Flemish bond brick edifice that graces the city's landscape. Its origins can be traced back to the early nineteenth century, a period marked by the burgeoning growth of a young nation and the steadfast commitment of its citizens to forge a path of religious freedom and social progress.The narrative of this architectural marvel begins with a gesture of generosity from none other than William Penn himself, who, in the twilight years of the 1600s, bestowed upon the Friends community a parcel of land destined to become a sacred burial ground. Little did he know then that his benevolent act would sow the seeds for a place of worship that would echo with the prayers and aspirations of generations to come. In the absence of a dedicated structure, faithful adherents gathered in the intimate confines of private homes to commune with one another and seek solace in their shared beliefs.It wasn't until the dawn of the nineteenth century that the vision of a permanent sanctuary began to take shape. Between the years of 1803 and 1805, with meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for tradition, the cornerstone of the present-day meeting house was laid. Guided by the deft hand of an architect believed to be Owen Biddle, the structure emerged from the earth, its Flemish bond brickwork a testament to the craftsmanship of generations past. By 1811, an additional wing had been seamlessly integrated into the original design, a testament to the community's commitment to growth and inclusivity.Stepping across the threshold of this venerable institution, visitors are transported back in time, enveloped by an aura of reverence and tranquility that permeates every corner of its hallowed halls. The echoes of centuries past reverberate through the air as one traverses the simple yet elegant meeting house, where time seems to stand still amidst the whispers of bygone conversations and the solemnity of shared reflection.The architectural integrity of the building remains remarkably intact, a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of its creators. Original features such as the sturdy walls, lofty ceiling, and polished wooden floors serve as silent witnesses to the passage of time, while the meticulously preserved windows bathe the interior in a soft, ethereal light. Among its many treasures, the meeting house boasts a remarkable collection of crown glass windowpanes, a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of generations past.In 1854, as the nation stood on the precipice of great change, two cupolas were added to the structure, not merely as decorative embellishments, but as vital conduits for ventilation, ensuring the comfort and well-being of those who gathered within its walls. It was a subtle yet significant modification, a nod to the ever-evolving needs of a growing community.Recognized for its historical significance, the meeting house was duly honored with a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, a testament to its enduring legacy and cultural importance. In 1988, it was further distinguished as a National Historic Landmark, a fitting tribute to its role in shaping the fabric of American history.Today, centuries removed from its humble beginnings, the meeting house continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who pass through its doors. It remains a cherished site for worship services, a gathering place for the faithful, and a testament to the enduring values of community, compassion, and social justice. As the custodians of this venerable institution, we are tasked with preserving its legacy for future generations, ensuring that the echoes of the past continue to resonate within its hallowed halls for centuries to come.

Construction of Arch Street Meeting House (ASMH) began in 1803 and was completed in 1811. The simplicity and classic beauty of the building reflect the Religious Society of Friends (also known as the Quakers) and their values of simplicity, equity, peace, and community. The Meeting House is operated by Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust as a museum. and is open for walk-in visitors and private tours Thursday through Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. ASMH is still an active place of Quaker worship for the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, and all are welcome to join worship on Sundays at 10:30 am.It hosts the Philadelphia Yearly Meetings of Friends, a general conference that also serves as the central organizing body for the Quakers. The meetinghouse was built upon a Quaker burial ground. One of the earliest symbols of the Quaker belief in equality, the Society of Friends allowed non-members, Native Americans, and African Americans to be buried here.

The Arch Street Meeting House is a National Historic Landmark and still in use. Photo by Beyond My Ken on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) 

Arch Street Meeting House

Arch Street Meeting House - Historic Marker

Celebrate National Historic Marker Day with Arch Street Meeting House (ASMH) on a walking tour of Old City, Philadelphia!

Created by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, National Historic Marker Day is a service-oriented event that brings people and communities together to maintain their markers by cleaning them and providing an opportunity to celebrate and preserve history.

ASMH staff and volunteers will begin the day with a quick clean of the meetinghouse's two markers, and then visitors are welcome to join us for a private walking tour that will lead you through the blue historic markers of some of Philadelphia's favorite Friends (also known as Quakers!). Tour stops include the markers for Betsy Ross, Anthony Benezet, Hannah Callowhill Penn, and more.

Betsy Ross was born a Quaker, although was written out of meeting (the Quaker phrase for "kicked out") for marrying her first husband, John Ross, in 1773.Betsy’s father was a skilled carpenter &amp; a member of the Carpenter’s Company. He built the house where Betsy spent the majority of her childhood, which stood on the North side of Arch Street between 3rd &amp; 4th - right across from the Quaker cemetery (and now, ASMH).Betsy &amp; John Ross lived close to 2nd &amp; Chestnut while they had their upholstery business. After John died, Betsy moved to this house that is now preserved as the Betsy Ross House. This Old City neighborhood, therefore, was a bustling epicenter for various artisans in the late 18th century.

Inscription:"Credited with making the first stars and stripes flag, Ross was a successful upholsterer. She produced flags for the government for over 50 years. As a skilled artisan, Ross represents the many women who supported their families during the Revolution and early Republic."Erected 2009 by Pennsylvania Historical &amp; Museum Commission.

Betsy Ross - Historic Marker

Cyrus Bustill was the father of Grace Douglass and the grandfather of Sarah Mapps Douglass. Grace &amp; Sarah were Black Quakers whose stories can be found in the West Room and East Room exhibits of Arch Street Meeting House.Cyrus was an important member of the free Black community in Philadelphia during the late 18th century. His descendants worked alongside other free Black people in the 19th century, helping form the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society (PFASS) with Lucretia Mott, Sarah Douglass, and other Quaker women. His legacy continued into the twentieth century through his direct descendant, Paul Robeson, a civil rights activist, musician, and athlete.Cyrus Bustill donated bread from his bakery to help feed Washington’s troops.

Inscription:"Born of white, Black, and Native American descent, he bought his freedom and became a baker of bread for Revolutionary troops. A founder of the Free African Society, he later opened a school for Black children while living here."Erected 1992 by Pennsylvania Historical &amp; Museum Commission.

Cyrus Bustill - Historic Marker

Charles Brockden Brown is buried nearby in one of twenty thousand unmarked graves at Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106).

Inscription:"A Quaker, he is considered America's first important novelist. His Gothic fiction depicts Philadelphia life and inspired Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. As an author, editor, and historian, he addressed women's rights, slavery, and political issues. Born nearby."Erected 2023 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Charles Brockden Brown - Historic Marker

“Without the leadership of Hannah Penn during the Colonial Period, Pennsylvania may have taken a different path” (Office of the Governor). This quote, spoken by Governor Tom Corbett is a testament to the effect Hannah had on the world after her husband’s death. Following a series of strokes Hannah had to step up and act as governor in his place until he eventually passed away and she continued to act as governor for 8 years, from 1718 until her death on December 20th, 1726 at the age of 55. She was one of the first women to hold a position of political authority in Britain, and in what would become the United States. She managed to fix several things about Pennsylvania and allowed it to remain a province, altering the course of history.Hannah was the only one of her nine siblings to survive into their teenage years. As she became only child traditional 17th century customs were disregarded, and she was taught how to manage her parent’s grocery store and take care of its finances. Her skills in these areas would help her manage the province after her husband died. Most historical accounts regard William was a good-natured Quaker who had an affinity for tolerance and building community. However, because of this he often got into tough financial situations by trusting the wrong people. William left behind lots of debt from the properties he owned, leaving Hannah to clean up the mess.Hannah was able to work to continuously pay off her husband’s debts by using the money she earned from her family’s business. On top of taking care of monetary matters, Hannah also dealt with the internal affairs of the province. She was able to prevent Maryland from claiming the eastern part of Pennsylvania with her superior organizational methods (Zorilla). When William died, he had named Hannah as the major Pennsylvania landowner, which upset his son. Hannah won the dispute in court, which was one of the few times a woman won a property dispute in this time.Hannah’s ability to successfully bring Pennsylvania back from potential ruin has earned her the respect of people in the modern day. In 1984 President Ronald Reagan named her and her husband as Honorary Citizens of the United States. She used her knowledge to effectively save the future of an entire State. On top of repaying William’s debts, she also fought strongly for a woman’s right to inherit her husband’s estate. Hannah is a strong symbol of a woman’s ability to govern, and her story of leadership empowers women and girls to this day.

Hannah Callowhill Penn was the second wife of William Penn, who is credited as Pennsylvania’s founder. The pair traveled from Bristol to Pennsylvania and arrived on December 10th, 1699 (Kelley). There William acted as proprietor until he was unable to due to a series of strokes leading to his death. Afterwards, Hannah had the duty of managing all the province’s official business, being the first and only woman to do so. She can be credited with fixing major problems left behind after her husband's death.The historical marker (located in Welcome Park) is placed at the site where she and William stayed after arriving to Pennsylvania. Inscription:"Born in 1671, she married William Penn, 1696. They lived at Pennsbury, and in the Slate Roof House here, 1699–1701. During his final illness, 1712–18, and until her death, 1726, she was Pennsylvania’s acting proprietor. She was the only woman to control a British proprietary colony for so long." Erected 2000 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Hannah Callowhill Penn - Historical Marker

Anthony Benezet was born French Protestant parents in 1713. To escape the persecution that French Protestants (known as Huguenots) faced, Benezet's family emigrated to London when he was just 2 years old. When he was 17, Benezet&nbsp;joined his family when they moved from London to Philadelphia.

Once in Philadelphia, Benezet joined the Quakers and began teaching school in Germantown. He later taught at the Religious Society of Friends’ English School of Philadelphia. In the evenings, Benezet volunteered his time teaching poor African American children. In 1754, Benezet established what some consider to be the first public school for girls in America.&nbsp;Benezet wrote and published anti-slavery tracts and pamphlets and distributed&nbsp;them at his own expense and at great risk to&nbsp;his safety. Among his most famous works,&nbsp;Some Historical Account of Guinea&nbsp;influenced both British and colonial thought among the small number of slavery's opponents after its publication in 1772. He also convinced many of his Quaker brethren in Philadelphia that slave-owning was not consistent with the Christian doctrine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anthony Benezet was a French-born American Quaker and teacher who helped educate numerous African American children from his home which was located here in the decades leading up to the American Revolution. Benezet was one of the leading abolitionists in the city during the 18th century and authored numerous articles that influenced the nascent antislavery movement.

Anthony Benezet Historical Marker

Three hundred activists from over 200 gay and lesbian organizations from across the country gathered at the <a href="https://www.theclio.com/entry/6170" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Arch Street Friends Meeting House</a> from February 23 to 25, 1979 to plan the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which was to take place October 14 of that year. The march took place ten years after the Stonewall Riots and was partially motivated by the assassination of openly gay politician Harvey Milk. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was an inspiration for the 1979 march. Organizers of the march had several specific goals: an end to discrimination against gays and lesbians in the military and federal jobs; inclusion of sexual orientation in the Civil Rights Act of 1954; the repeal of anti-gay legislation; legal protections for families with same-sex couples. Later planning took place in New York City, and the organizers formed subcommittees to address media, travel and logistics, fundraising, and transportation. At least 100,000 and perhaps as many as 200,000 people participated in the march in the nation's capital eight months after this planning meeting.

In 1979, 300 gay rights activists gathered at the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, located near this historical marker, to plan the National March for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The march took place later that year in Washington, DC, with over 100,000 people demonstrating for human rights. The City of Philadelphia erected this historical marker several decades later to commemorate the watershed event. 

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Quaker Historic Markers in Old City, Philadelphia

Arch Street Meeting House - Historic Marker

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