The A League Apart exhibition showcases the importance of breaking barriers through the stories of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues and their ongoing legacy.
It focuses on five Barrier Breakers in particular: Octavius Catto, Henry “Pop” Lloyd, Ed Bolden, Richard “Dick” Allen, and Mo’ne Davis.
Phase 1 of the exhibit was hosted at Cherry Street Pier thanks to our generous sponsors, donors and supporters. We’re also thankful to have received some great press about the exhibit.
Phase 2 was hosted at the Cherry Hill campus of Camden County College, originally through May 2024, then extended to October 1. It featured a new chapter on Negro League baseball in South Jersey, unique autographed memorabilia and expanded programming. The South Jersey exhibit and autographs remain on display at Camden County College.
Phase 3 was on display at St. Joseph’s University in West Philadelphia on the Second Floor of Mandeville Hall. It featured two new display cases curated with Negro League memorabilia, artwork and baseball cards. We also awarded two SJU students $1,000 scholarships to create a permanent Negro League display on campus at the same location.
Phase 4 brought the exhibit back to New Jersey at historic Camden City Hall, on the 4th Floor hallway to the right of the mayor’s office. The three month stay included an opening press conference with city officials awarding the exhibit with an official Commendation.
Phase 5 is currently on display at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. We are excited to be partnering with this important cultural institution during a momentous time in the city. The summer will host festivities for Juneteenth, soccer World Cup, baseball All-Star Game and America’s 250th birthday. The exhibit is also integrated with the Cash-Thompson Collection of Hilldale Daises and Philadelphia Stars archives housed at the museum.
Future phases will expand the exhibit and travel around the Philadelphia region through 2026 and beyond. Please let us know if you have a venue interested in hosting the exhibit or contact us with any questions.
About Carolyn Quick, Lead Designer & Creator
Carolyn received her master’s at the University of the Arts in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design and a bachelor’s in Industrial Design at Purdue University. Baseball games, cotton candy, and family time were summer staples for Carolyn. With her passion for design and fond memories of America’s Pastime, A League Apart has allowed Carolyn to combine her interests into an exhibit.
About Brian Michael, Producer
Brian is a Northeast Philadelphia native and owner of Shibe Vintage Sports and Phillies Nation. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and London School of Economics, Brian has taught economics at Temple University and has published two books – one on the history of the Philadelphia Eagles and another on the Frankford Yellow Jackets.