Historical Society of Montgomery County - African American History Collection

This grave marker is for Benjamin Pawlings. This private family cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Pawling, Reiff, and Hauff families. There is also at least one marker at this cemetery that reads "slave." According to an article written by Rev. Judith A. Meier, this enslaved person is a woman named Liza. Native Americans are also believed to be buried here. It is unclear how many people are here in unmarked graves.

From 1863 to 1865, this site in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania served as a training camp for United States Colored Troops. It was the first and largest federal training facility for African Americans during the Civil War. The stone marker pictured here was placed in 1943 at the corner of Willow and Sycamore Avenue in Cheltenham. It was placed by the Allied Veterans Association of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Daniel Amos Wilson was the first African American physician in Montgomery County. He received his degree in homeopathic medicines from Hahnemann Hospital in 1890. After graduating from Hahnemann, Dr. Wilson moved to Norristown. He lived on Elm Street in Norristown until his death in 1934 and is buried at Tremont Cemetery.

This is a picture of Father Divine's masoleum located on the Woodmont estate in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. He was the founder of the Peace Mission Movement. The Movement purchased Woodmont in 1953. Father Divine died on September 10, 1965.

This private family cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Pawling, Reiff, and Hauff families. This photograph shows the grave markers for Benjamin, John, and Elizabeth Pawlings. There is also at least one marker at this cemetery that reads "slave." According to an article written by Rev. Judith A. Meier, this enslaved person is a woman named Liza. Native Americans are also believed to be buried here. It is unclear how many people are here in unmarked graves.

This photograph shows the fence and front entrance to the Pawlings Cemetery in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. This private family cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Pawling, Reiff, and Hauff families. There is also at least one marker at this cemetery that reads "slave." According to an article written by Rev. Judith A. Meier, this enslaved person is a woman named Liza. Native Americans are also believed to be buried here. It is unclear how many people are here in unmarked graves.

A black and white photograph of the Woodmont estate located in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. This estate was purchased by Father Divine, also known as George Baker, in 1953. Father Divine was the leader of the Peace Mission Movement.