Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House facts for kids
|
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House
|
|
Harper House, 2009
|
|
 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1006 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1870 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001663 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 8, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | December 8, 1976 |
The Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House is a special historic home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was the home of Frances Harper (1825-1911) from 1870 until she passed away. Frances Harper was an amazing African-American writer and activist. She worked hard for many important causes. These included ending slavery, gaining rights for women, and fighting for civil rights for all people. This house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. This means it is a very important place in American history.
Contents
Who Was Frances Harper?
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was born free in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1825. She became a very important voice for change in America. She believed that everyone should be treated fairly. She spent her life working to make this happen.
A Home for a Hero
The Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House is located in the Bella Vista neighborhood of South Philadelphia. It is a three-story brick house. It is part of a row of houses on Bainbridge Street. The house looks like many other homes in the area.
City records do not say exactly when this house was built. However, we know that Frances Harper lived here for a long time. She moved into the house in 1870. She lived there until she died in 1911. This means she spent over 40 years of her life in this home.
Fighting for Freedom and Rights
Frances Harper's life covered many big changes in American history. Before the American Civil War, she was an abolitionist. This means she worked to end slavery. She traveled and spoke out against slavery. She believed it was wrong and fought for freedom for all people.
After the Civil War, she continued her important work. She became a strong voice for women's suffrage. This was the movement to give women the right to vote. She also fought for civil rights for African Americans. This was especially important after the war, when new laws like Jim Crow laws tried to limit the rights of Black people.
Speaking Out and Writing Books
Frances Harper was a talented writer and speaker. She wrote many poems, essays, and novels. Her writings often talked about the struggles of African Americans. They also shared her hopes for a more fair world. She traveled all over the country, giving speeches. She spoke about freedom, equality, and justice for everyone. Her words inspired many people to join the fight for a better future.
