Preservation Month is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the importance of preserving historic places and cultural heritage. This year’s theme is “The Power of Place.”

I kicked off the celebration by walking the streets of Old City, the same streets that master silhouette artist Moses Williams walked.

Moses died on December 18, 1830. If he were to come back from the dead, he would recognize many of the places in his old neighborhood, including:

• Independence Hall
• Philosophical Hall
• Christ Church
• Christ Church Burial Ground
• Free Quaker Meeting House
• Arch Street Meeting House
• Loxley Court
• Elfreth’s Alley
• St. George’s Methodist Church

Moses lived at 10 Sterling Alley (now Orianna Street). Once paved with cobblestones, the granite blocks of Orianna Street were added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places’ Historic Street Paving Thematic District in 1998.

On my upcoming walking tour, “Moses Williams’ Neighborhood,” I will share undertold stories and breathe new life into Old City. The tour will begin at the State House (Independence Hall) and end at Sterling Alley.

The walk and talk will be held on Saturdays in October and November 2025. To be added to the mailing list for updates, send your name and email address to phillyjazzapp@gmail.com.