The Sites
The impact of the anatomical body trade in Philadelphia, that ran from the mid-1740's through the 1980's, has physical as well as emotional markers. The body trade contributed to the erection of major museums and medical schools, but can also be remembered and examined in the sites of protest against the practice. These four sites in Philadelphia represent a portion of the ongoing resistance against the body trade.
1745
The House of Dr. Shippen
Here Philadelphians and visiting workers protested the use of marginalized bodies in anatomical dissection and education.
1845
The Former Blockley Almshouse
Here six members of the Guardians of the Poor signed a letter condemning the body trade that targeted patients of the almshouse.
1882
The Site of Lebanon Cemetery
Families and friends of deceased Philadelphians protested the targeting of the city's Black cemetery for the anatomical body trade.
2021
The University of Pennsylvania
Here Philadelphians protested and mourned the Penn Museum's continued display and use of skulls from the Morton Crania Collection.
