Mission
Johnson House Historic Site, A Center for Social Advocacy
Our mission at Johnson House Historic Site is to stand as a beacon of change and inspiration. Rooted in our history as an Underground Railroad stop and historic house museum, we proudly represent the enduring impact of everyday people who have made a difference in their communities and beyond. The partnership between Africans seeking freedom and the Johnson family, passionate abolitionists, serves as a powerful catalyst to inspire, uplift, and empower current and future generations.
We achieve our mission by offering interactive educational opportunities, fostering community initiatives, and diligently preserving the historical integrity of the house, grounds, and outlier buildings.
Johnson House Journal: Shaping the Future
Empowering Through the Center for Social Advocacy (CSA)
In our journey, we’ve faced both successes and challenges, much like any historic site. However, we are driven by a vision for a healthier and more vibrant community. This vision led to the creation of our Center for Social Advocacy (CSA). In 2017, we initiated this transformative effort, marked by the launch of the Emerging Leaders Training Program. This pilot program, designed for young community practitioners and activists aged 18 to 30, was led by seasoned community-building experts.
Working hand in hand with residents, thought leaders, and advocates, CSA continues to expand its reach, addressing critical issues of racial and social injustice that confront our neighborhoods today. We are also proud of our highly anticipated and well-attended events and education programs, such as the History Hunters Youth Reporter Program, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival, and the Center for Social Advocacy, which have energized our visitorship.
History: Narrating a Tapestry of Change
From 1768 to Today
The Johnson House, built in 1768 by John Johnson for his son John Johnson Jr., stands as a testament to the resilience of a Quaker family who farmed the land and ran a thriving tannery business. Within these walls, stories of slavery’s injustices, wartime perils, religious freedom, activism, human rights, political intrigue, and ideological differences have unfolded and continue to be thoughtfully interpreted and preserved to educate and inform. Our journey spans centuries, from its origins as a manor house in the 1700s to a pivotal Underground Railroad station in the 1800s and now as a symbol of historic preservation and education in the 1900s to the present day. Johnson House embodies freedom, civil liberties, and the importance of community.
Preservation: Safeguarding Our Legacy
Preserving Over 255 Years of History
To protect the character and integrity of the Johnson House, which has stood for over 255 years, we undertake ongoing preservation and restoration work. A team of experts, including architects, engineers, and preservation specialists, collaborate to maintain this venerable building. Recent accomplishments include exterior carpentry repairs, window glazing, and painting of shutters on the main and side facades. These efforts bring us closer to our goal of creating a more interactive public museum, uniquely capable of connecting a vital chapter in American history with the public. However, there are additional crucial preservation projects on the horizon that must be completed to secure our legacy for future generations.