Benjamin Banneker Institute

Neighborhood:Center City

Address:
409 S. 11th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Significance:
This early African-American intellectual society was founded in 1854 by Jacob C. White, Jr., and other aspiring African American young men, and named in honor of a self-taught African-American scientist and astronomer. The institute was active until 1872. Philadelphia members of the institute also ran Banneker House, a resort for African Americans in Cape May, N.J., during the era of segregation.

Historical Marker:PA Historical Marker

Text of Historical Marker:
Founded here in 1854 and dedicated to the literary betterment of African Americans, this school was named for a Black astronomer and mathematician who published an almanac and helped survey Washington, D.C.