Lest We Forget Slavery Museum

Kids On 12th
19107

Lest We Forget Slavery museum includes an extensive collection of authentic slavery artifacts and n J. These rare collectibles bring history to life.

Justin Ragsdale and his wife Gwen, are the curators of the Lest We Forget Black Holocaust Museum of Slavery which opened in 2002. The museum includes an extensive collection of slavery artifacts and is the only one of its kind in Philadelphia, PA. The museum features authentic slavery artifacts that include: shackles, branding irons and other forms of punishing ironware from the Trans-Atlantic sl

ave trade. Our collection also includes numerous genuine documents that promoted the buying and selling of enslaved Africans. Together we provide moving presentations and use items in the collection to demonstrate what it was truly like to “Be a Slave”. For decades, J. Justin Ragsdale scoured different parts of the United States and the continent of Africa acquiring shackles and numerous other objects that document the history of the African slave trade. As a result, other collectors and dealers of this genre have credited him with perhaps having the most extensive collection of slavery hardware in the country. Gwen Ragsdale is an accomplished film maker and writer. She has written and produced two award winning documentary films about slavery that have been shown at national and international film festivals, seminars and conferences. Several schools and universities have added her films to their curriculum as a teaching aid. Learn more about Gwen Ragsdale here: http://lwfsm.com/meet-gwen-ragsdale. She is available for film screenings and public speaking events. Call 215-205-4324 to schedule an engagement. Lest We Forget Slavery Museum and LWF Traveling Exhibit(s) document how different coming to America was for enslaved Africans. They highlight the legacy of slavery and pays tribute to the generations of slave ancestors held in bondage for hundreds of years who provided free labor in the building of America. Schedule a Traveling Exhibition here: http://lwfsm.com/lwf-traveling-exhibit/

LWF documentary film productions about slavery “Connect the Past with The Present” and have won several national and international awards. To schedule a Museum Tour or Traveling Exhibit-

Contact: Gwen Ragsdale at (215) 205-4324.

05/24/2026

This past rainy ☔️ weekend several out of town visitors came to LWF Slavery Museum. We greatly appreciate their visits and patronage. BOOK A TOUR on our website lwfsm.com

05/17/2026

Today the Legacy Trolly Tour visited our museum with the founder & her family. We are so appreciative of their support and patronage. What are you waiting for 🤷🏾 Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

05/16/2026

05/16/2026

Today a group of historians & educators from Rutgers U visited LWF Slavery Museum. They were so pleased with our informative tour that they actually applauded our presentation 👏🏾Come see what others are applauding. Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

05/08/2026

Today tourists visited our fair city all the way from Albuquerque NM. I always ask tourists why they chose to visit LWFSM the only slavery museum in Philly. Invariably they say because “we want to learn the history they’re trying to hide and erase”. We’re so thankful for their interest and patronage. We welcome you to come see what tourists are saying about us. Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

05/08/2026

This mom from Delaware County brought her home schooled children to the museum to learn about American slavery. I applaud her and other parents who want their children to learn the truth about a period of history that’s currently being whitewashed and in some cases totally erased. Bring your children as well. Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

04/17/2026

Local Gtwnrs bring their visitors to LWF SLAVERY MUSEUM. You can do the same. We’re open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Tues-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4. Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

04/12/2026

Lest We Forget Slavery Museum attracts visitors from all over the country. This couple came all the way from Kentucky to visit our fair city and came to tour our museum. We appreciate our visitors and hope to see you soon. Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

04/08/2026

Families Big & Small visit LWF SLAVERY MUSEUM. We accept groups 2-22,25. Book A Tour on our website lwfsm.com

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Location

Philadelphia

Website

https://linktr.ee/Slavery1

Address

5501 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19134

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	12pm - 4pm

Lest We Forget Slavery Museum

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