This research, education, and outreach project is dedicated to using new technology and archival data to recreate the survey W.E.B. Du Bois conducted of Philadelphia's Seventh Ward for his 1899 classic book, The Philadelphia Negro.

In addition to introducing students to the power of geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and the fun of analyzing primary historical documents, we aim to draw attention to the history of the vibrant African American community that once lived in Center City. We also hope that, by engaging people in this fascinating story about Du Bois' research and the people he studied, we can facilitate an honest dialog about how race has shaped cities like Philadelphia and continues to shapes our lives.