This late Black Philly artist is getting a historical marker
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Courtesy of Library Company of Philadelphia
Late Philly artist Moses Williams is no longer confined to the silhouettes of history.
Why it matters: Williams, who was born into slavery and became a master silhouette artist, will have his accomplishments touted in a historical marker to be unveiled next year as part of the city's 250th anniversary celebrations.
The big picture: Williams is among 45 historical markers being added across the state, including more than a dozen in the Philly region.
- The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission says more than 2,500 existing markers honor important people, places and events in Commonwealth history.
Context: During the early 19th century, Williams churned out thousands of paper-cut profiles for visitors to the Philly museum of famed painter Charles Willson Peale.
- The silhouettes, akin to today's selfies, were popular among Americans who couldn't afford to sit for portraits.
State of play: The location for Williams' marker hasn't yet been decided, but self-proclaimed "citizen historian" Faye Anderson, who spearheaded the effort, has proposed placing it near Philosophical Hall, the former site of Peale's museum.
- Anderson is also hosting a pair of walking tours this month to drum up awareness of Williams' place in Philly history.
What they're saying: Despite embodying "the paradox of liberty and slavery" in the U.S., Williams remains a somewhat unheralded figure, says Anderson, who led another public history project on Philly's contributions to the golden era of jazz.
- But she hopes the historical marker brings more awareness to Williams' role in Black history, which "cannot be erased" and remains vibrantly alive in "the archives."
The intrigue: Williams was interred in the Northwest Burial Ground, a defunct graveyard that no longer exists.
- But Anderson tells Axios his remains were relocated to an unknown location. She has made it her mission to find his final resting spot.
If you go: Anderson is holding tours Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 from 10am to noon, starting at St. Peter's School. Tickets: $30
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to note that Williams' work spanned the early 19th century (not 18th century).