A Conversation with Michael Idriss on the 1793 Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic

Today, we bring you a conversation between Historic America’s Sonali Prillman and Micheal Idriss, who is currently the African American Interpretive Fellow at Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution. Micheal, with his wealth of knowledge on Philadelphia history, takes us back to the mass outbreak of a disease long before the days of COVID19: the Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.

From Charleston to Philadelphia: The Grimké Sisters and Their Legacy

Despite being born into a wealthy, slave owning family in Charleston, sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimké would go onto to become some of the first female abolitionists in American history. After converting to Quakerism and moving to Philadelphia, the Grimké sisters became prominent anti-slavery and women’s rights advocates against several odds.

Philadelphia and the Birth of the Nation’s First Abolitionist Society

On this day in 1775, a group of Philadelphia Quakers met at a tavern in the city and founded the first abolitionist society in the United States. This organization, which eventually became known as the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, marked the start of the American abolitionist movement in addition to paving the way for Philadelphia to become a powerhouse of abolitionist activity.