The history of African Americans in Sewickley dates back to the 1820s. With the first groups

arriving as domestic workers for the wealthy, then migrants from Virginia and Kentucky coming

to work in construction, a large community of African Americans was quickly formed. As the

community grew Sewickley’s first African American mission, the historic St. Matthews A.M.E.

Zion church, was founded in 1857 and became a safe house for those escaping slavery in the

Underground Railroad. Building off this rich history, Sewickley’s African American residents

have lived, worked and celebrated, generation after generation. This exhibition brings together

historical photographs from the community to view with reflection and remembrance.

Thank you to The Sewickley Valley Historical Society, The Sewickley Community Center

and local residents for offering use of their photograph archives for this exhibition.