The City of Philadelphia funds historical research into itself

Geralynn Razo, a Temple University junior, plans to examine how educational disparities impact particular neighborhoods. Jasir Fosset, also of Temple, intends to investigate racist city policies such as real estate redlining in West Philadelphia.

“I want to look at how that impacts neighborhoods in Philly,” Fosset said. “I’ve noticed that Philadelphia is very segregated even still.”

The students applied last spring with their proposed areas of study. HSP director David Brigham said the twelve were selected out of about 100 applications. He said the Summer Academy is designed to show pathways into history careers.

Brigham said HSP, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, wants to foster more youthful and inclusive historical perspectives.

“We have established, in our case, two centuries of ways of doing things. So what fresh voices and fresh perspectives can they bring to the story?” he said. “They’re here not simply to learn from us. They’re here to teach us.”

After their full-time week of research, the participants will present their findings in a manner that is yet to be determined. One will be able to continue for a one-year fellowship, selected through an additional application process.

“By helping these young people who are still in college to be prepared for careers when they graduate in a year or two, they will be poised to participate in the work of 2026,” Brigham said.