Freedom Theatre
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Formerly the home of actor Edwin Forrest, later Philadelphia School of Design for Women. Became Heritage House, then in 1968, Freedom Theatre, a community-based Black theater for professional instruction in the theatrical arts.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
This building has worn many identities across a century and a half—first the home of famed tragedian Edwin Forrest, then the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, and later Heritage House. In 1968 it became the Freedom Theatre, a community-rooted Black theater dedicated to professional training in the dramatic arts. Amid the era's civil-rights ferment, it gave African-American performers a stage and a school of their own.
Why it matters
As one of the oldest African-American theaters in the nation, it reflects how the arts became a vehicle for cultural pride and opportunity during the Black freedom movement.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center1.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center1.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House1.7 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia1.8 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- Philly Gun Range0.9 mi away · North Percy Street
- Rocky Steps1.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Reading Terminal1.5 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.5 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle1.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe1.6 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Burger King1.7 mi away
- Dunkin'1.7 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters1.7 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.7 mi away
- Time & Peace1.7 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia1.3 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center1.3 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia1.3 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City1.4 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA1.4 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City1.5 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Edwin Forrest
Themes & tags
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