Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

abolitionist history

This Monstrous Law! Robert and Harriet Purvis and the Fugitive Slave Act

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he Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and Millicent Sparks Productions invite the public to witness a performance that portrays three legendary Philadelphians from the city’s rich 19th-century Black history.  

This Monstrous Law! Robert and Harriet Purvis and the Fugitive Slave Act is a recreation of a historic protest of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law, which compelled everyday citizens to assist in capturing enslaved people seeking their freedom. Living history performers portray abolitionists Robert Purvis and Harriet Forten Purvis, who boldly responded to the inhumane law by rallying local citizens to defy it. A portrayal of celebrated concert singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, “The Black Swan,” lends melodic power to the production. 

Film Screening: Becoming Benjamin Lay

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Becoming Benjamin Lay explores the making of the stage play about Benjamin’s life, written by Marcus Rediker and Naomi Wallace–and actor Mark Povinelli who brought Benjamin, to life on stage. 

This film is appropriate for all ages, the screening is free and open to all. Free-will donation to Abington Meeting at the door is greatly appreciated.

Philadelphia Firsts: First public protest against enslavement in America

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[Resubmitting. I know it’s not a “Quaker” event per se, but it’s about a critical event in history that Quakers take credit for all the time. I hope you can post what I previously submitted. Thank you! — Chris Mohr] Long before the Civil War, Philadelphians took a stand. Commemorate the bold 1688 petition by Mennonites and German Quakers, the first recorded public protest against slavery in America, and reflect on a legacy of conscience and courage.

What Would Lucretia Mott Say?

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A Living History Event at Bristol Friends Meeting | Sunday, February 8 @ 2 PM

As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, Bristol Friends Meeting invites the community to reflect on the moral voices that helped shape the nation. One such voice belongs to Lucretia Mott—Quaker minister, abolitionist, women’s rights pioneer, and steadfast advocate for peace and equality. What Would Lucretia Mott Say?
 We will find out.

On Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m., Kim Hanley, a historical reenactor portraying Lucretia Mott through the American Historical Theatre, will bring her words, convictions, and Quaker faith to life at Bristol Friends Meeting, 235 Market Street, Bristol. Through story and dialogue, audiences will encounter Mott’s courageous witness on slavery, women’s rights, and the Quaker belief in the Inner Light present in every person.

This free program offers a timely opportunity to engage with Quaker history and consider how Mott’s legacy speaks to the challenges and hopes of our own time, especially as we reflect on 250 years of the American experiment.

In The Light of Freedom

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Come take part in an evening of hands-on art, history, and community engagement on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Byberry Friends Meeting. In the Light of Freedom will feature two back-to-back programs with Philadelphia-based walking artist and Underground Railroad researcher Ken Johnston, honoring Byberry’s role in the Underground Railroad and movement to abolish slavery.

The evening begins with a Lantern-Making Workshop from 5:00–6:30pm, where participants can assemble and decorate their own LED lanterns for the parade to follow. Johnston will share stories of Byberry anti-slavery leader Robert Purvis and the symbolic role of lanterns in guiding freedom seekers. Space is limited to 25 participants and advance registration is required. There is a nominal $5 materials fee for the workshop.

At 6:30pm, a Historical Reenactment and Lantern Parade will commemorate the 175th anniversary—to the day—of a historic October 18, 1850, meeting in Byberry Hall, led by Robert Purvis and other abolitionist leaders, to protest the newly enacted Fugitive Slave Act. Event participants will be invited to take on the roles of the original signers of a declaration against the Act that the attendees adopted at the 1850 meeting before joining Johnston for a lantern light procession around the Byberry Meeting burial grounds, marking the resting places of local anti-slavery activists and sharing Underground Railroad stories.

“Lanterns are more than light—they’re a way to connect with history, community, and the courage of those who fought for freedom,” said Jack McCarthy, Project Director.

“Today one could say Robert Purvis and his brothers grew up grounded with a sense of cultural competence and social activism,” said Ken Johnston. So it is befitting we commemorate the 175th anniversary of a historic 1850 protest meeting led by Robert Purvis and others against the Fugitive Slave Act.”

Guests may bring their own handheld lights or lanterns—if it glows, it goes!

Providence Monthly Meeting Celebrated Its 340th Anniversary

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Providence Monthly Meeting (PMM) in Media, PA, celebrated its 340th anniversary on October 26, 2024. The event began with a program led by PMM Clerk Meg Barney, which included a Land Acknowledgment delivered in both English and Lenape, a brief history of PMM, and introductions of guests from local faith communities, community organizations, and government representatives. During the celebration, attendees explored guided stations across PMM’s grounds, learning about the Meeting’s legacy through exhibits on topics such as the Underground Railroad, climate justice, and racial equity, as well as historical landmarks like the grave of abolitionist Graceanna Lewis. State Senator Tim Kearney presented a citation from the Pennsylvania Senate.

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