From 2009 – 2017, Moonstone produced city wide festivals that put spotlights on individuals and events that created impact and were important to the development of our country. Moonstone picked people who have been unrepresented in how we tell history today. Each festival included a main panel discussion, exhibits, readings, and a newspaper highlighting the focus person’s life, impact, and literary works. These events would be free, accessible to all who wished to attend.
Many of the projects tied back to Philadelphia history and were based on the fight for a version of freedom. Some died fighting for this freedom, “I have no doubt that our seeming disaster will ultimately result in the most glorious success… I am sure I can recover all the lost capital by only hanging a few moments by the neck.” -John Brown. This quote from John Brown was taken after his arrest, failing to incite a slave rebellion. Using connections through Robin’s Bookstore, our founder Larry Robin would bring on speakers such as historians and other experts for festivals. Moonstone worked with universities, churches, and other venues around Philadelphia to hold events.
2009: Thomas Paine
The first Hidden History festival was held to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine breathed life into the American Revolution when he wrote Common Sense in 1775.
2009: John Brown
The second Hidden History festival focused on the life and impact of John Brown, commemorating the 150 anniversary of his death. John Brown is most well know for initiating the 3rd largest slave revolt in American History
2011: Frances E.W. Harper
The third Hidden History festival focused on the life and impact of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and commemorated the 100th anniversary of her death. She is considered to be the “Mother of African American journalism”.
2011: Emancipation
The fourth Hidden History festival focused on the history of emancipation in the United States. The festival was held around the 100th anniverseray of the firing of John C. Fermont, a prominant figure in the push for emancipation.
2012: Martin R. Delany
The fifth Hidden History festival was focused on Martin R. Delany. 150 Years Challenging Racism was held to commemorate the 200th birthday of Martin R. Delany and celebrated his extraodinary life and imapct on America.