Online Exhibitions: The Way We Lived -- Images of Philadelphia Housing and Reform, 1890

Project conceived and directed by:
John R. Pettit, Student Assistant

with assistance from:
Evan Towle, Photograph Curator
Cynthia Wilson, Urban Archive Intern

This exhibit developed with financial support from congressionally-directed grants administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Prior to, and around the turn of the century, housing was built primarily to satisfy demand. The absence of legislation meant houses were built, subdivided and rented out with little to no regard for the health and well being of the dwellings inhabitants. As the consequences of poor housing became clear, housing organizations, the city and the federal government began establishing standards that mandated a better standard of living.

This exhibition features photographs and other educational materials from the Housing association of the Delaware Valley. Formed in 1909 as the Philadelphia Housing Association, it was one of the many organizations during that time that lobbied for housing reform. The visual materials documented Philadelphia’s housing conditions and helped persuade local government and the public that conditions for many needed to change.