Philadelphia

Judge William Lewis Exhibit Opens at Strawberry Mansion

March 4, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Historic Strawberry Mansion celebrated Black History Month with the launch of the first interactive exhibit combining history and
technology to tell the story of the life and work of Judge William Lewis. A permanent addition to the Mansion, “A Freedom To Go Forth” can now be viewed by guests with general admission.

“A Freedom to Go Forth”
explores the work of Judge William Lewis on behalf of African Americans
in 18th Century Philadelphia. Judge William Lewis was one of two white abolitionists who have lived at Strawberry Mansion. Lewis, a lawyer, represented slaves fighting for their freedom and wrote the Law of 1780 abolishing slavery in Philadelphia.  

“Judge Lewis was an early friend and advocate for enslaved African Americans,” says Connie Ragsdale (r), president of Historic Strawberry Mansion. “His contributions to the fight for freedom
and to Historic Strawberry Mansion were vital to the growth of Philadelphia.”Here with the curator of the new exhibit- Jason Allen, executive director of Mother Bethel AME Church’s Richard Allen Foundation
Daniel Davis, Sam Agoos, Austin Lichtman, and Jack Madden
Ann Eck, Beverly Wilson and Penny Robertson
A dining room recreated at Strawberry Mansion
Zabeth Teelucksingh, executive director of Global Philadelphia Association with Bill Gerhman, director of  En Route Marketing a ‎Strategic Marketing Professional Focusing on Tourism, Cultural and Civic Projects – ‎

Dr. A. Dianne Thomas, Board of Directors, and D. Eric Murphy  Caretaker at Woodford Mansion
Woodford Mansion stands at 2300 N. 33rd St., near the historic Strawberry Mansion.
Built in 1756 by merchant William Coleman, the home, registered as a
National Historic Landmark, was visited by many historical figures,
including Benjamin Franklin and George Clymer, a signer of the
Declaration of Independence. 

Monique Lau, Robert Nonemacker and Crystal Hayes Cazza,
During the original furnishing of the Mansion, in 1931, the Committee of
1926 treated each individual room of the house as a separately
interpreted space. Different women’s groups involved in the High Street
Exhibit, as well as some individuals, were assigned to curating the
different rooms and gathering the beautiful pieces. As such, each room
in the house has a unique interpretation and the diversity and contrast
among the rooms has been enjoyed and celebrated by the public since the
Mansion first opened for tours.


Tours of the Mansion are conducted on the hour from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., with the Mansion closing at 4:00 pm, every Tuesday through Sunday, excluding holidays.  Admission for a guided tour is $8.00 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and $5 for children (ages 6 – 12).
For more information on Historic Strawberry Mansion, visit www.historicstrawberrymansion.org and follow the Mansionon Facebook at Historic Strawberry Mansion.