Heritage West is an archaeology project launched by the Penn Museum in 2019 with a focus on uncovering and preserving local archaeological resources, particularly in the University City area. The project began by engaging with community organizations such as the Black Bottom Tribe Association and HopePHL to explore the history of the Black Bottom, a once-thriving Black community that was destroyed during the 1960s under the pretext of “urban renewal.” Through community collaboration, the project has collected oral histories and memories from former residents, while also hosting public events to further explore the neighborhood's history.

 

In 2023, the project shifted to active excavation at the Community Education Center (CEC) on Lancaster Ave., a site believed to contain remnants of homes from the mid-19th century. The excavation, conducted by Penn students and community members, uncovered thousands of artifacts ranging from personal items to remnants of daily life, providing a tangible link to the neighborhood's past. The project emphasizes making archaeological training accessible to both students and community members, offering opportunities to participate in excavation and lab work. Heritage West continues to involve the community in its efforts, aiming to share its findings through a digital archive and potential exhibitions.